Cougar

Cougars, also known as Pumas and Mountain Lions, are the largest cats that can purr. Cougars do not roar like a Lion. Instead, they scream or purr like a house cat. Cougars also have similar bodiesto house cats; they both have slender bodies, roundheads and pointed ears. But of course, Cougars are bigger.

Unlike adults, Cougar kittens have spots all over their tawny brown fur to help them camouflage (blend in with their surroundings). When the kittens are first born, their mother licks them to clean them. At two weeks old, they open their eyes and begin to walk. They eventually will nap less and start to play fight with their siblings. Playing with each other helps them develop the muscles necessary for hunting.

In the wild, Cougars will mostly hunt large and small mammals such as Deer, Moose, Coyotes and Ground Squirrels. Cougars will even occasionally attack a Porcupine. Scientists who study Cougars sometimes see them with quills stuck in their muzzles, shoulders and paws. Ouch!

Cougars can run fast but only for short distances. Therefore, Cougars rely on stealth for hunting. Once a Cougar obtains its prey, it will drag it to a place where they are hidden to avoid having Bears and Wolves steal their food. A Cougar will sometimes drag a heavy Moose half the length of a football field!