Cougars / Mountain Lions
Mountain Lion Facts
Identification
The mountain lion (cougar, puma,
catamount, panther; Fig. 1) is the largest
cat native to North America. The
head is relatively small, and the face is
short and rounded. The neck and body
are elongate and narrow. The legs are
very muscular and the hind legs are
considerably longer than the forelegs.
The tail is long, cylindrical, and wellhaired.
The pelage of the mountain
lion varies considerably. There are two
major color phases — red and gray.
The red phase varies from buff, cinnamon,
and tawny to a very reddish
color, while the gray phase varies from
silvery gray to bluish and slate gray.
The sides of the muzzle are black. The
upper lip, chin, and throat are whitish.
The tail is the same color as the body,
except for the tip, which is dark brown
or black. The young are yellowish
brown with irregular rows of black
spots. Male mountain lions are usually
considerably larger than females.
Adults range from 72 to 90 inches (183
to 229 cm) in total length including the
tail, which is 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91
cm) long. They weigh from 80 to 200
pounds (36 to 91 kg). The mountain
lion’s skull has 30 teeth. Female mountain
lions have 8 mammae.
Damage and Damage
Identification
Mountain lions are predators on
sheep, goats, cattle, and horses. House
cats, dogs, pigs, and poultry are also
prey. Damage is often random and
unpredictable, but when it occurs, it
can consist of large numbers of livestock
killed in short periods of time.
Cattle, horse, and burro losses are
Habitat
The mountain lion can be found in a
variety of habitats including coniferous
forests, wooded swamps, tropical forests,
open grasslands, chaparral,
brushlands, and desert edges. They
apparently prefer rough, rocky,
semiopen areas, but show no particular
preferences for vegetation types. In
general, mountain lion habitat corresponds
with situations where deer
occur in large, rugged, and remote
areas.
Food Habits
Mountain lions are carnivorous. Their
diet varies according to habitat, season,
and geographical region.
Although deer are their preferred prey
and are a primary component of their
diet, other prey will be taken when
deer are unavailable. Other prey range
from mice to moose, including rabbits,
hares, beaver, porcupines, skunks,
martens, coyotes, peccaries, bear cubs,
pronghorn, Rocky Mountain goats,
mountain sheep, elk, grouse, wild
turkeys, fish, occasionally domestic
livestock and pets, and even insects.
Mountain lions, like bobcats and lynx,
are sometimes cannibalistic.
General Biology,
Reproduction, and
Behavior
Mountain lions are shy, elusive, and
primarily nocturnal animals that occasionally
are active during daylight
hours. For this reason they are seldom
observed, which leads the general public
to believe that they are relatively
rare, even in areas where lion populations
are high. They attain great
running speeds for short distances and
are agile tree climbers. Generally solitary,
they defend territories. Dominant
males commonly kill other males,
females, and cubs. A mountain lion’s
home range is usually 12 to 22 square
miles (31 to 57 km2), although it may
travel 75 to 100 miles (120 to 161 km)
from its place of birth.
The mountain lion does not have a
definite breeding season, and mating
may take place at any time. In North
America there are records of births in
every month, although the majority of
births occur in late winter and early
spring. The female is in estrus for
approximately 9 days. After a gestation
period of 90 to 96 days, 1 to 5
young (usually 3 or 4) are born. The
kittens can eat meat at 6 weeks
although they usually nurse until
about 3 months of age. The young usually
hunt with their mother through
their first winter.
Historically, the North American
mountain lion population was drastically
reduced by the encroachment of
civilization and habitat destruction.
Some populations in the West are
growing rapidly. Local populations
may fluctuate in response to changes
in prey populations, particularly deer,
their primary food source.
The mountain lion is usually hunted as
a trophy animal with the aid of trail
and sight hounds. Pelts are used for
trophy mounts and rugs; claws and
teeth are used for jewelry and novelty
ornaments. The mountain lion is not
an important species in the fur trade.
In North America, it is primarily harvested
in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah,
Colorado, Idaho, western Montana,
British Columbia, and Alberta.
Range
Mountain Lions' primary range occurs in western
Canada and in the western and southwestern
United States. Sparse populations
occur in the south, from Texas to
Florida. Several mountain lion
sightings have occurred in midwestern
and eastern states but populations are
not recognized.
Lions are considered to
have negative impacts on several
bighorn sheep herds in New Mexico,
Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.
In areas of low deer numbers, mountain
lions may kill deer faster than deer
can reproduce, thus inhibiting deer
population growth. This usually
occurs only in situations where alternative
prey keep lions in the area and
higher deer populations are not close
by.
Lions are opportunistic feeders on
larger prey, including adult elk and
cattle. Individual lions may remain
with a herd and prey on it consistently
for many weeks, causing significant
number reductions. Mountain lions
cause about 20% of the total livestock
predation losses in western states
annually. Historically, lion damage
was suffered by relatively few livestock
producers who operate in areas
of excellent lion habitat and high lion
populations. This historic pattern has
changed in recent years, as lion distribution
has spread, resulting in frequent
sightings and occasional
damage in residential developments
adjacent to rangelands, montane forests,
and other mountain lion habitat.
Predation typically is difficult to
manage although removal of the offending
animals is possible if fresh kills
can be located.
Sheep, goats, calves, and deer are typically
killed by a bite to the top of the
neck or head. Broken necks are common.
Occasionally, mountain lions will
bite the throat and leave marks similar
to those of coyotes. The upper canine
teeth of a mountain lion, however, are
farther apart and considerably larger
than a coyote’s (1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches
[3.8 to 5.7 cm] versus 1 1/8 to 1 3/8
inches [2.8 to 3.5 cm]). Claw marks are
often evident on the carcass. Mountain
lions tend to cover their kills with soil,
leaves, grass, and other debris. Long
scratch marks (more than 3 feet [1 m])
often emanate from a kill site. Occasionally,
mountain lions drag their
prey to cover before feeding, leaving
well-defined drag marks.
Tracks of the mountain lion are generally
hard to observe except in snow or
on sandy ground. The tracks are relatively
round, and are about 4 inches
(10 cm) across. The three-lobed heel
pad is very distinctive and separates
the track from large dog or coyote
tracks. Claw marks will seldom show
in the lion track. Heel pad width
ranges from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm).
The tracks of the front foot are slightly
larger than those of the hind foot. The
four toes are somewhat teardrop
shaped and the rear pad has three
lobes on the posterior end.
Although uncommon, mountain lion
attacks on humans occasionally occur.
Fifty-three unprovoked mountain
attacks on humans were documented
in the US and Canada from 1890 to
1990. Nine attacks resulted in 10
human deaths. Most victims (64%)
were children who were either alone
or in groups of other children. Attacks
on humans have increased markedly
in the last two decades (see Beier
1991).
Legal Status
All of the western states except California
allow the harvest of lions. They
are protected in all other states where
present. Generally, western states
manage mountain lions very conservatively
as big game animals. Lion harvests
are severely restricted by the
harvest methods allowed and by
quotas.
If mountain lion predation is suspected
in states where lions are protected,
contact a local wildlife management
office for assistance. Most states allow
for the protection of livestock from
predators by landowners or their
agents when damage occurs or is
expected. Some states, however,
require that a special permit for the
control of mountain lions be obtained
or that the wildlife agency personnel
or their agent do the control work.
Several states have a damage claim
system that allows for recovery of the
value of livestock lost to mountain
lion predation.
Damage Prevention and
Control Methods
Exclusion
Heavy woven-wire fencing at least 10
feet (3 m) high is required to discourage
lions. Overhead fencing is also
necessary for permanent and predictable
protection. Fencing is practical
only for high-value livestock and
poultry. Night fencing under lights or
in sealed buildings is useful where
practical.
Electric fencing with alternating hot
and ground wires can effectively
exclude mountain lions. Wires should
be 10 feet (3 m) high, spaced 4 inches
(10 cm) apart, and charged with at
least 5,000 volts.
Cultural Methods
Mountain lions prefer to hunt and stay
where escape cover is close by. Removal
of brush and trees within 1/4
mile (0.4 km) of buildings and livestock
concentrations may result in reduced
predation.
Chronic mountain lion predation has
led to some ranchers shifting from
sheep to cattle production. In areas
with high levels of predation, some
ranchers have changed from cow-calf
to steer operations.
Frightening
Bright lights, flashing white lights,
blaring music, barking dogs, and
changes in the placement of scarecrow
objects in livestock depredation areas
may temporarily repel mountain lions.
The Electronic Guard, a strobe light/
siren device developed by USDAAPHIS-
ADC, may also deter lions.
Repellents
No chemical repellents are registered
for mountain lions.
Toxicants
No chemical toxicants are registered
for mountain lion control. Since lions
prefer to eat their own kills and fresh
untainted meats, an efficient delivery
system for toxicants has not been
developed.
Mountain lions are very curious
and respond to hanging and moving
flags of skin, feathers, or bright objects.
Leg Snares. Leg snares are effective
when set as described in the Black
Bears chapter, and as shown here in
figures 4, 5, and 6. Substitute leg snares
for the No. 4 or 4 1/2 leghold traps.
The Aldrich-type foot snare can be
used to catch mountain lions. This set
is made on trails frequented by lions;
stones or sticks are used to direct foot
placement over the triggering device.
Snares. Snares can be set to kill
mountain lions or hold them alive for
tranquilization. Commercially made
mountain lion snares are available
from Gregerson Manufacturing (see
Supplies and Materials). They should
be suspended in lion runways and
trails (Fig. 7), or set with baits in cubby
arrangements (Figs. 8 and 9).
Kill snares should be placed with the
bottom of the loop approximately 16
inches (40 cm) above the ground with
a loop diameter of 12 to 16 inches (30
to 41 cm). Snares intended to capture
lions alive should be placed with the
bottom of the loop 14 inches (36 cm)
from the ground and a loop diameter
of 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm). Snares
set for live capture should be checked
daily from a distance.
Cage Traps
Large, portable cage
traps are used by USDA-APHIS-ADC
personnel in California to capture
moutain lions that kill pets and livestock
in suburban areas and on small
rural holdings. The traps are constructed
of 4-foot (120-cm) wide, 4-foot
(120-cm) high, 10-foot (3-m) long
welded-wire stock panels with 2 x
4-inch (5 x 10-cm) grid. The trap is
placed where the mountain lion left
the kill, and it is baited with the
remains of the kill. See Shuler (1992)
for details on this method.
Shooting
Mountain lions sometimes return to a
fresh kill to feed and can be shot from
ambush when they do so. Locate an
ambush site where the shooter cannot be seen and the wind carries the
shooter’s odor away from the direction
that the cat will use to approach the
kill site.
Set up at least 50 yards (45 m)
from the kill site. Calibers from .222
Remington and larger are recommended.
Mountain lions can be called
into shooting range with predator
calls, particularly sounds that simulate
the distress cry of a doe deer. See Blair
(1981) for additional information on
calling lions.
Fumigants
No chemical fumigants are registered
for use on lions.
Trapping
Leghold Traps. Mountain lions are
extremely strong and require very
strong traps. Well-bedded Newhouse
traps in size No. 4 or 4 1/2 are recommended
(Fig 3). Recommended sets
are shown in figures 3 and 4. Use large
heavy drags, sturdy stakes, or substantial
trees, posts, or rocks to anchor
traps to ensure against escape.
Mountain lions are easily trapped
along habitual travel ways, in areas
of depredations, and at kill sites.
Although blind sets are usually made
in narrow paths frequented by lions,
baits made of fish products, poultry,
porcupine, rabbits, or deer parts, as
well as curiosity lures like catnip, oil of rhodium, and house cat urine and
gland materials are effective attractants.
Other Methods
Trained dogs can be used to capture or
kill depredating lions. The dogs are
most often released at the kill site,
where they pick up the lion’s scent and
track the lion until it is cornered or
climbs a tree. The lion can then be shot
and removed, or tranquilized and
transplanted at least 300 miles (480
km) away. Transplanting of lions is not
recommended unless they are moved
to an area where no present lion population
exists, where habitat and
weather are similar to those of the
original area, and where there will be
no problem of potential depredation
by the translocated lions. Placing a
mountain lion in an area with which it
is unfamiliar reduces its chance of survival
and is likely to disrupt the social
hierarchy that exists there. Lions from
a distant area may transmit a disease
or contaminate a gene pool that has
been maintained through a natural selection
process for population survival
in a specific area. In addition, depredating
lions are likely to cause depredation
problems in the area to which
they are transplanted.
Hunting of mountain lions as big game
animals should be encouraged in areas
of predation to lower the competition
for native food sources. To reduce or
eliminate future losses, quick action
should be taken as soon as predation is
discovered.
Economics of Damage
and Control
Verifying livestock losses to mountain
lions is difficult because of the rough
mountainous terrain and vegetation
cover present where most lion
predation occurs. Many losses occur
that are never confirmed. Generally,
lion predation is responsible for only a
small fraction of total predation losses
suffered by ranchers, but individual
ranchers may suffer serious losses.
In Nevada, it was estimated that
annual losses of range sheep to
mountain lions averaged only 0.29%
(Shuminski 1982). These losses, however,
were not evenly distributed
among ranchers. Fifty-nine sheep
(mostly lambs) were killed in one
incidence. The mountain lion involved
apparently killed 112 sheep in the area
before it was captured.
In states such as Colorado and Wyoming,
where damages are paid for lion
predation, contact the state wildlife
agency for information about the
claims process and paperwork. Most
systems require immediate reporting
and verification of losses before
payments are made.
*The above information was taken from a University of Nebraska Web site with
express permission of Stephen Vatassel, wildlife damage project coordinator. |
