Mountain lions are present in Canada, where they are most commonly referred to as cougars. This species, scientifically known as Puma concolor, has a wide distribution across the Americas, stretching from the Yukon to the Andes. The cougar is the largest wild cat species found in Canada, and the second largest in the Western Hemisphere, after the jaguar. They are also known by regional names, including puma, catamount, and panther.
Distribution and Population Density Across Canada
The majority of Canada’s cougar population resides in the western provinces, where the landscape offers rugged terrain and abundant prey. British Columbia is the stronghold for the species in Canada, housing an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 individuals. The province’s extensive wilderness, particularly the coastal temperate rainforests and mountainous interior, provides ideal habitat for the cats.
A secondary population is found in the Rocky Mountain areas of Alberta, with high densities recorded in national parks like Jasper and Banff. In protected areas, population densities can reach six to eight animals per 100 square kilometers, which is a high concentration for this solitary species. The presence of cougars is directly correlated with the availability of ungulates, particularly mule deer and white-tailed deer, which form their primary food source.
Cougar populations have expanded northward and eastward, with established breeding groups in Saskatchewan and a growing presence in the southern Yukon Territory. Transient individuals have been confirmed in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories, often following expanding deer populations. The total Canadian population is estimated to be between 5,500 and 10,000 individuals, but this number fluctuates with prey cycles and management practices.
Identifying the Mountain Lion: Physical Traits and Ecology
The mountain lion is characterized by its muscular, slender build and uniform coloring, which helps it blend into its surroundings. Adult cougars have a coat of tawny brown, reddish, or grayish fur, with a paler, whitish color on the chest and belly. Males are noticeably larger than females, weighing between 57 to 71 kilograms, while females average around 41 to 45 kilograms.
The animal’s long, heavy tail can measure nearly a meter in length and is tipped with black fur. This tail provides essential balance, allowing the cat to make powerful leaps and navigate steep, uneven terrain with speed. Their large paws are equipped with sharp, retractable claws used to grasp and subdue prey, which are tucked away while walking to keep them sharp.
These cats are obligate carnivores and ambush predators, relying on stealth rather than a long chase to secure their meals. Their diet focuses on large prey like deer, elk, and moose, which they dispatch with a powerful bite to the neck or skull. Cougar activity is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal.
Cougars maintain a solitary and territorial existence, with males holding home ranges that often overlap with the ranges of several females. They mark their territory using scent posts and scratch piles. The female raises her kittens alone, training them to hunt until they are approximately 18 to 24 months old, at which point they disperse to establish their own territories.
Minimizing and Managing Human-Cougar Encounters
Encountering a cougar is a rare event, but people recreating or living in cougar country can take measures to reduce the likelihood of a conflict. Prevention focuses on limiting attractants that might draw the cats or their prey near human habitation. Securing livestock and pets at night, ensuring garbage is inaccessible, and avoiding the feeding of wildlife, such as deer, are effective deterrents.
When hiking, it is advisable to travel in groups and make noise to alert any nearby wildlife to your presence, as cougars prefer to avoid people. Children and pets should be kept close and supervised, especially during early morning and evening. Avoid using headphones that might impair your awareness of your surroundings in areas known to have cougar activity.
If a cougar encounter occurs, the most important rule is to never run, as this may trigger the cat’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground, maintain eye contact, and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Speak firmly and loudly to the animal while slowly backing away, ensuring the cougar has a clear escape route.
In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively using anything available, such as rocks, sticks, or a backpack. People who have fought back successfully deterred the cat, as the goal is to convince the cougar that you are not easy prey. Focus on protecting your neck and head during the struggle.