We have had recent sightings of mountain lions in and around our home in Arnold, CA., and since I had not written about them before, I thought it was time. I have one photo of a big cat on our property, but it is blurred, so I’ve never shared it with you. All of the images in this blog post are from iStock.com.
Mountain lions are the second largest cat in North America, after the cougar. Mountain lions live in many parts of the United States but primarily in California and Texas. The mountain lion is also known as a puma, panther, and catamount. These big cats can weigh up to 150 pounds and measure six feet from head to tail.
Mountain lions are solitary animals that primarily hunt deer and other large mammals. Depending on prey availability, they live in territories ranging from 20 square miles up to 300 square miles. Male mountain lions often stake out large territories to keep rivals away. At the same time, females typically occupy a region close to where they were born.
Mountain lions are opportunistic hunters and will eat whatever is available, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, carrion, and household pets. However, deer make up the majority of their diet. Mountain lions usually ambush their prey by hiding in dense vegetation and then leaping at short distances. They have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that allow them to take down prey much larger than themselves.
Mountain lions are usually shy around humans and try to avoid contact whenever possible. However, there have been cases where mountain lions have become habituated to humans and started to associate them with food sources. In these cases, it is essential to remember that mountain lions are wild animals and should not be approached or treated as pets.
In general, knowing how to coexist with mountain lions if you live or spend time in their habitat is crucial. Ensure you keep pets inside at night and never feed deer or other wildlife near your home, as this can attract mountain lions looking for an easy meal. If you see a mountain lion in the wild, keep a safe distance and do not run or turn your back on it, as this may trigger its hunting instinct.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below.