The puma, also known as the mountain lion, cougar, or catamount, is a large wild cat native to the Americas. It is the most widely distributed wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, inhabiting regions from the Canadian Yukon down to the southern Andes Mountains in Chile. Despite its many regional names, it is a single species, Puma concolor. This adaptable feline can be found in various habitats, including forests, mountains, deserts, and grasslands.
General Build and Size
Pumas possess a muscular and agile body, built for stealth and power. Their overall length, including the tail, ranges from 1.50 to 2.75 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 9 feet). The tail alone accounts for a significant portion of this length, measuring between 63 to 95 centimeters (25 to 37 inches). At the shoulders, adult pumas stand about 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 35 inches) tall.
Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism; males generally weigh between 53 to 72 kilograms (117 to 159 pounds), while females range from 34 to 48 kilograms (75 to 106 pounds). Their powerful hind legs are adapted for jumping, allowing them to leap as high as 5 meters (18 feet) vertically and 12 to 14 meters (40 to 45 feet) horizontally.
Coat and Coloration
The puma’s fur is short and coarse in texture. Its coloration is largely uniform, reflected in its scientific name Puma concolor, meaning “cat of one color.” The typical shades range from tawny, sandy, or yellowish-brown to reddish-brown or silvery-gray. The underside of the body, including the belly, throat, and chin, is usually a paler, buffy, or whitish color.
Adult pumas lack spots or stripes on their coat. Slight regional variations in shade occur, but the overall solid appearance remains consistent. Puma cubs are born with distinct dark spots and often have ringed tails, which provide camouflage and typically fade by 6 to 9 months old.
Distinctive Features
A puma’s head is relatively small in proportion to its body. It features a broad skull with a high, arched forehead and large, expressive eyes that can be grayish-brown to golden in color. Their ears are rounded and lack prominent tufts. The muzzle has distinctive black markings, and the nose is often pinkish with a black border extending to the lips.
The long, muscular tail often accounts for about one-third of the animal’s total length. This cylindrical tail typically has a black tip, serving as a counterbalance for agility and stability during leaps and rapid movements. Pumas also possess large, powerful paws with five digits on the front feet and four on the hind feet. Their sharp claws are fully retractable, which helps keep them sharp by preventing wear when walking.