Montana Wildlife - Mountain Lion
For as much attention in recent years that the mountain lion has garnered, they are exceptionally seclusive animals and very few humans have actually seen a lion in the wild. I have been fortunate enough to have seen them on several occasions, at great distance and in close quarters. They are wholly impressive, sleek and powerful, silent and calculating...true predators. Mountain lions are the largest member of the cat family in the Americas and have the most extensive range of any mammal in the western hemisphere, besides man. They rely solely on meat as their source of nutrition and, as such, are true carnivores as only members of the genus Felis are.
Mountain Lion facts
- Adult males can be 8 feet in length from nose to tail and weigh upwards of 230 lbs.
- Diet consists mainly of deer although most any wild game falls within it predation abilities
- Wolves and bears are its only natural predator besides man
- Can live up to 18 years in the wild
- No set mating season, females will have litters of up to six cubs
- Can leap vertically up to 18 feet and drop up to 65 feet without injury
- Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 40 mph and cover 45 feet in a single bound
- Although once thought endangered, recent estimates put populations in western state at 31,000+
- Cubs are spotted at birth with a ringed tail
- Very seclusive, sightings are uncommon
Attacks by mountain lions on humans are rare, with just over 100 documented attacks in the U.S. since 1890. Common sense is the best deterrent to avoid them, be aware of your surroundings while hiking or jogging and make noise as you travel. Simple conversation, whistling or my singing is significant enough disruption to keep these highly attuned animals moving away from your location. As always, keeping a close eye on children and pets when in nature is advised. If, in a rare instance, you do encounter a lion, make yourself look as large as possible, face the animal and hold your ground as flight may trigger the animals "chase" reflex.
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