Pumas, also known as cougars, mountain lions, or catamounts, are large, solitary felines found across a wide range of habitats in the Americas. They are highly adaptable predators, playing a significant role in their ecosystems. As formidable hunters, pumas generally occupy a top position in their food web.
Pumas in Their Environment
Pumas function as apex predators within their native environments. Their hunting strategy involves ambushing prey, using powerful hind legs for explosive bursts of speed and sharp claws and teeth to secure their capture. These agile predators commonly prey on ungulates like deer, elk, and moose, but also consume smaller mammals and birds. An adult, healthy puma possesses considerable size, strength, and agility, contributing to their dominance and meaning they face very few natural threats. Their solitary nature further reduces direct competition and conflict with other large carnivores.
Documented Predators of Pumas
Despite their status as apex predators, pumas are occasionally preyed upon, though such events are rare and involve specific circumstances. Large, powerful carnivores like grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus) have been documented killing pumas, often during disputes over carcasses or when encountering young or vulnerable individuals. A grizzly bear might attack a puma attempting to scavenge its kill, or a black bear could prey on a young, inexperienced puma cub. These interactions are opportunistic rather than a regular part of the bears’ diets.
Packs of wolves (Canis lupus) represent another potential threat to pumas, particularly in regions where their territories overlap. Wolves may cooperatively attack and kill pumas, especially if the puma is isolated, injured, or caught off guard. Such encounters often occur when wolves are defending their territory or a recent kill, highlighting the competitive nature of these large carnivores. Attacks on adult pumas by wolves are not common and tend to involve pumas that are already compromised due to age, illness, or injury.
Predation Versus Scavenging
It is important to distinguish between an animal actively hunting and killing a puma (predation) and an animal feeding on a puma’s remains after it has died from other causes (scavenging). Many species, including various carnivores and omnivores, will scavenge a puma carcass. Coyotes (Canis latrans), other bears, and even other pumas may consume a puma that has died from starvation, disease, or injuries.
This act of scavenging does not classify these animals as predators. Scavenging is a common ecological behavior where animals consume carrion, contributing to nutrient cycling. Therefore, observing an animal feeding on a puma does not automatically mean that animal was responsible for its death.