The cougar, scientifically known as Puma concolor, is a large wild cat recognized by many names, including puma, mountain lion, and catamount. All refer to a single, adaptable species found throughout the Americas. This animal possesses distinct physical characteristics that allow it to thrive in diverse environments.
General Physical Characteristics
A cougar’s overall appearance is defined by its sleek, muscular, and agile build, allowing for powerful short sprints and impressive leaps. The coat is notably uniform in color, a trait reflected in its scientific name, concolor. This coloration typically ranges from tawny, sandy, or reddish-brown, with lighter patches often present on the underbody, including the jaws, chin, and throat.
The short, coarse fur covers a body designed for stealth. Unlike adult cougars, cubs are born with mottled coats and black spots. These markings provide camouflage and typically fade as they mature, usually disappearing by two years of age.
Key Identifying Features
The cougar’s head is relatively small and round, featuring erect, rounded ears. Its large, closely set eyes are often amber or greenish-yellow in mature animals, though kittens are born with blue eyes that change color as they grow. Distinctive black markings are typically visible on the muzzle, particularly around the nose and upper lip, and sometimes behind the ears.
The cougar’s long, thick, and cylindrical tail is often as long as its body, accounting for about one-third of its total length. This tail, usually tipped with black, serves as a counterbalance, aiding agility and balance. The cougar also possesses large, powerful paws, with five retractable claws on its forepaws and four on its hind paws. The front paws are generally larger than the hind paws.
Size and Proportions
Cougars display a range in size, with males generally larger than females. Adult males can measure around 2.4 meters (7 feet 10 inches) from nose to tail tip, while females average about 2.05 meters (6 feet 9 inches). The overall length for the species can vary from 1.50 to 2.75 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 9 feet).
At the shoulders, adult cougars typically stand between 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 35 inches) tall. Males usually weigh 53 to 72 kilograms (117 to 159 pounds), and females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kilograms (75 and 106 pounds). These dimensions can differ based on geographical location, with cougars generally smaller closer to the equator and larger towards the poles.