Mountain lions, scientifically known as Puma concolor, are large, agile wild cats native to the Americas. They are found across diverse habitats, from rugged mountains and dense forests to arid deserts, spanning from Canada to the southern tip of Chile. As apex predators, these solitary felines play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations. Their exceptional stealth and powerful hunting capabilities enable them to efficiently pursue and subdue various animals, with deer and elk being primary food sources, supplemented by smaller mammals when necessary.
Natural Adversaries of Mountain Lions
While healthy adult mountain lions are formidable, true predation upon them is rare given their size, strength, and remarkable agility. Nevertheless, a select few larger carnivores can occasionally pose a threat, predominantly targeting vulnerable individuals such as young cubs, inexperienced juveniles, or adults that are weakened by injury or illness. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus) are among the most capable predators, sometimes engaging in confrontations with mountain lions over territory or competition for food resources. These bears have been documented killing mountain lions and frequently displace them from their kills.
Wolf packs (Canis lupus) present a significant challenge, particularly for mountain lion kittens. Wolves can substantially influence mountain lion numbers, mainly through the killing of young felines and by outcompeting adult mountain lions for prey, which can lead to increased starvation. A single wolf typically avoids direct conflict with an adult mountain lion, but a coordinated pack possesses a clear advantage. Mountain lions, solitary ambush hunters, generally retreat from wolf packs, often by climbing trees.
Aggression between mountain lions is a recognized cause of natural mortality. Adult male mountain lions kill cubs, contributing notably to cub mortality. This can occur during territorial disputes or when males discover unattended dens. Instances of adult mountain lions killing other adults, sometimes as a form of predation or during intense resource competition, have been recorded.
Other Major Causes of Mortality
Beyond natural predation, various other factors significantly contribute to mountain lion mortality, often surpassing the impact of other predators. Human-related activities are a primary cause of death for these wild cats. This includes legal and illegal killing, such as regulated hunting in some areas, or retaliatory killings when mountain lions prey on livestock or domestic animals. Vehicle collisions represent another frequent and increasing threat, especially as human infrastructure expands into their habitats. In California, an estimated 100 mountain lions die annually from vehicle strikes.
Habitat loss and fragmentation, largely due to human development, restrict mountain lion movement and reduce access to vital prey, which can ultimately lead to starvation. Diseases also threaten mountain lion populations; recent concerns include avian influenza (bird flu) and a fatal neurological condition known as “staggering disease,” caused by the rustrela virus. Starvation results from prey scarcity, declining hunting efficiency of older or injured individuals, or severe environmental conditions. Accidents, such as falls from cliffs or injuries sustained while hunting large prey, also contribute to the overall mortality of mountain lions.