Nature

Michigan Cougars

The cougar is aka puma or mountain lion. It is a wild cat that eats mostly deer.

They like to hide in underbrush.

They are 30 inches tall and weigh 100 lbs.

There were 53 attacks on humans in 100 years prior to 1990.

There have been sightings in these Michigan counties:

  • Mecosta
  • Kalamazoo
  • Oakland
  • Mason
  • Barry
  • Schoolcraft
  • Wexford
  • Lenawee
  • Newaygo

 

Here is what they look like:

 

They have big teeth

They have big claws

 

They have big ears

 

They are wild cats

 

 

They thrive in the snow

 

 

If you encounter one, take a pictures and walk away.

 

mountain lion tracks in snow photos

cougars are a very fast running animal

 

Closeup

 

aka mountain lion, puma

  • Size: Adult cougars typically weigh between 80 and 200 pounds , with males being larger than females. They measure around 5-9 feet in length from nose to tail tip.
  • Appearance: Cougars have a tawny or grayish coat, with white or cream-colored undersides. They have a rounded head, pointed ears, and a long, thick tail with a black tip.
  • Diet: Cougars are carnivorous and primarily prey on ungulates such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. They also consume smaller mammals, birds, and even insects when necessary.
  • Hunting behavior: Cougars are solitary hunters and rely on stealth and ambush tactics to catch their prey. They typically stalk their target from behind and then pounce, delivering a powerful bite to the neck to subdue the animal.
  • Lifespan: In the wild, cougars typically live 10 years, while in captivity, they can live up to 20 years or more.
  • Conservation status: The IUCN Red List classifies the cougar as a species of “Least Concern” due to their extensive range and stable populations in many areas. However, they face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and overhunting in some regions.
  • Speed: Cougars are powerful and agile animals, capable of running at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour in short bursts.
  • Jumping ability: Cougars are excellent jumpers and can leap up to 18 feet vertically and 40 feet horizontally in a single bound.

 

 

More wild cats

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