Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are elusive predators found across the diverse landscapes of the Americas. Their secretive nature means their presence is often inferred through indirect signs they leave behind. Understanding these indicators, such as their waste habits, provides insights into their behavior and ecology.
Do Mountain Lions Bury Their Scat?
Mountain lions sometimes bury their scat, although it is not a consistent behavior like that of domestic cats. Their scat appears “ropey,” segmented, and is 5 to 15 inches in length and 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The color varies, brown, black, or grayish-white, depending on diet and age. Scat contains undigested hair and bone fragments, reflecting their carnivorous diet, and may have a smooth or mucousy coating.
When mountain lions leave their scat exposed, it is found in prominent locations such as the middle of trails, on logs, rocks, or ridgelines. This exposed placement serves a purpose. Conversely, burying scat, while less common, may occur after consuming smaller prey or as a tactic to conceal their presence.
The Reasons Behind Their Scat Habits
The varied habits of mountain lion scat deposition serve as a form of communication within their solitary world. Exposed scat functions as a territorial marker, signaling the presence of an individual mountain lion to others in the area. This chemical messaging can convey information about the individual’s sex, reproductive status, and overall dominance. Male mountain lions often use exposed scat to establish their territory and advertise their availability for mating.
Leaving scat uncovered in visible locations helps reinforce boundaries, potentially deterring other mountain lions from encroaching on an occupied area. Burying scat, when it occurs, might be a strategy to minimize scent, avoiding detection by prey animals that rely on smell. It could also be a way for a less dominant individual to avoid confrontation with a larger or more established rival, by reducing the conspicuousness of their presence. These behaviors are important for their survival, managing interactions with both prey and competitors.
Beyond Buried Scat: Other Markings
Mountain lions employ other methods to mark their territory and communicate their presence beyond just scat. A common sign is a “scrape,” which is a small pile of dirt, leaves, or pine needles created by the cat’s hind feet. These scrapes often contain urine or, less frequently, scat, serving as scent posts. Scrapes are found in areas of importance, such as travel routes, ridgelines, or near water sources, and can even become community sites used by multiple individuals over time.
Urine spraying on trees, rocks, or other objects is another common scent-marking behavior. This method allows mountain lions to deposit chemical signals at various heights for widespread scent dissemination. While mountain lions retract their claws and do not leave claw marks when walking, they occasionally leave claw rakes on trees or logs. These claw marks, along with the other scent markings, are a form of indirect communication, providing important information about the presence and activities of these solitary felines within their expansive habitats.
What to Do When You Encounter Mountain Lion Signs
Encountering signs of mountain lions, such as scat or scrapes, indicates their presence in the area. If you come across these signs, remain aware of your surroundings.
Maintain a respectful distance from signs and keep pets on a leash to prevent them from disturbing the area or wildlife encounters. Do not approach or attempt to interact with the signs. Reporting sightings of mountain lion signs to local wildlife authorities is valuable for conservation efforts. This information helps researchers and wildlife managers monitor populations and understand their movements, contributing to the coexistence of humans and these impressive predators.