Cougars, also known scientifically as Puma concolor, are present throughout Arizona and represent a protected native species. These large, solitary cats are commonly referred to as mountain lions or pumas. They are a natural component of Arizona’s diverse ecosystems, though their secretive habits mean they are rarely seen by humans.
Presence and Distribution Across Arizona
Cougars occupy an expansive range across Arizona, inhabiting approximately 63% of the state’s land area. Their distribution stretches from high-elevation Alpine forests and mountainous regions in the north to the rugged canyons and high desert areas of the Sonoran Desert in the south. This broad presence is directly tied to the availability of suitable prey.
While widespread, cougars are generally absent from the lowest, most arid desert regions and heavily developed urban centers. Natural areas near the urban-wildlife interface can serve as movement corridors connecting them to larger wildland habitats. An adult male’s home range can be substantial, sometimes approaching 150 square miles, particularly where prey density is lower.
The state’s mountain lion population is considered stable and robust, with estimates suggesting between 1,300 and 2,700 individuals statewide. Sightings remain uncommon because the cats are naturally elusive and prefer to avoid human contact. Their ability to blend into rocky terrain allows them to move unseen across their territory.
Typical Behavior and Diet
The cougar is a highly specialized predator that maintains a solitary lifestyle, except for females raising their young. Their activity is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dawn and dusk. This behavioral pattern allows them to hunt when prey species are moving and human activity is at a minimum.
As an obligate carnivore and an ambush hunter, the cougar’s diet is almost exclusively meat, relying on stealth and surprise to secure a meal. The primary component of their diet in Arizona consists of large ungulates, particularly mule deer and Coues white-tailed deer. They also regularly prey on elk, bighorn sheep, and javelina, supplementing their food with smaller mammals like rabbits and rodents.
A cougar will typically drag the carcass to a secluded spot, covering the remaining meat with dirt, leaves, or debris to create a cache. They will return to this site over several days to feed. This caching behavior is a natural part of their ecology, explaining why they may linger in a particular area for a period of time.
Safety Measures for Coexisting
Coexisting with cougars requires preventative action and knowledge of how to respond during an encounter. Homeowners in cougar country should focus on removing potential attractants from their properties to prevent habituation to human presence.
Securing Your Property
This includes securing livestock and pets in robust enclosures, especially from dusk until dawn when cougars are most active. Never leave pet food or water bowls outside, as these can draw in smaller animals like javelina and rodents, which are primary cougar prey. Trimming dense vegetation and installing motion-activated lighting around the house perimeter can reduce potential hiding places. Children should be closely supervised outdoors, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.
Outdoor Safety
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, walking in groups and making noise helps alert cougars to your presence, as they prefer to avoid confrontation. Always keep dogs on a leash, since a roaming pet can easily become prey or provoke an attack. Carrying a deterrent like bear spray is a prudent safety measure when recreating in mountain lion habitat.
During an Encounter
If a cougar encounter occurs, never turn your back or run, as this may trigger their instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground, face the animal, and maintain direct eye contact. Make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening a jacket, or holding up a backpack. Speak loudly and firmly to the animal to disrupt its focus and convince it that you are not an easy target. If the cougar does not retreat, throw rocks or sticks at it without crouching down. In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively, aiming to protect your head and neck.