Cougar on a stump

by Flees Photos

Title

Cougar on a stump

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

This image features of a cougar (puma concolor) resting on a tree stump. The cougar had its eyes glazed and locked on something. What that something was is hard to tell. Cougars are beautiful but aggressive large cats.

American cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas:

Range and Habitat: American cougars are native to North and South America, spanning a wide range of habitats from dense forests to mountainous regions, deserts, and grasslands. They have one of the largest distributions of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

Size and Appearance: American cougars are large cats and exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being larger than females. Adult males can reach lengths of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) from nose to tail and weigh between 115 to 220 pounds (52 to 100 kilograms). They have a sleek and muscular body, a small head with a prominent muzzle, and a long tail.

Stealthy Predators: Cougars are incredibly stealthy hunters, known for their ability to silently stalk and ambush their prey. They are primarily solitary animals and hunt a variety of animals, including deer, elk, small mammals, and occasionally livestock. They have powerful hind legs that allow them to leap and pounce on their prey.

Adaptations and Behavior: Cougars are well-adapted to their environments. They have excellent eyesight, hearing, and a highly developed sense of smell. They are primarily nocturnal but can also be active during dawn and dusk. They are solitary animals, with each individual occupying a large home range to avoid competition.

Vocalizations: Cougars are capable of producing a range of vocalizations, including growls, hisses, and screams. They use these vocalizations to communicate with each other, establish territory, attract mates, and protect their young.

Conservation Status: The conservation status of American cougars varies depending on their specific populations. While some populations are considered stable, others face threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and hunting. Cougars are protected in many regions, and conservation efforts aim to maintain their populations and mitigate conflicts with humans.

Myth and Folklore: Cougars have played significant roles in Native American folklore and mythology. They are often depicted as powerful and elusive creatures associated with spiritual attributes such as strength, agility, and leadership.

Human Interactions: Although cougars generally avoid humans, occasional encounters can occur, especially in areas where their habitats overlap with human settlements. Understanding their behavior, avoiding close encounters, and implementing appropriate measures to prevent conflicts are important for coexistence.

It's important to note that the behavior and characteristics of cougars can vary across their wide range, and specific information may differ for different subspecies or populations.

This image is © Chris Flees all rights reserved

Uploaded

March 15th, 2014

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