![]() ![]() In fact, it has so many names in English alone (around 40) that it holds the Guinness Book of World Records distinction. Wild Cats: What’s in a Name?īecause the mountain lion has such a wide range, spanning 28 countries and 16 states in the U.S., it goes by many names. Keep reading to learn more about these fascinating mammals, how to help ensure their survival, and where to see them. It continues to face threats due to prey depletion, human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss from agricultural and urban development. ![]() Instead, they hiss, purr or growl, like domestic cats!Īlthough the mountain lion is the only large cat species with an increasing population, its current numbers still don’t rival those of its past. Their hind legs are larger and more muscular than their front, giving them great jumping power.Ī fun fact about these large cats is that they cannot roar like lions. These predators sport a powerful body with short legs, upright ears, large paws, sharp claws, striking steely eyes and a long tail. Dark-colored markings are found on the ears, around the snout and on the tip of the tail. However, these beauties come in a range of shades, from rust and grayish to a tawny tan, and their babies are spotted. No matter what you call it, it’s still the same wild cat, scientifically known as Puma concolor, which means a large feline resembling a lion with one solid color. The animal also has a multitude of nicknames, such as the ghost of the Rockies, red tiger and mountain screamer, among others. The reason is that people from various countries, from Chile to Canada, have different names for it. Did you know that mountain lions have the largest geographic range of any non-human land mammal in the Western Hemisphere? It’s no surprise this magnificent animal, native to the Americas, is called many things: puma, catamount, cougar, painter and panther. ![]()
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