THE MOUNTAIN LION

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The mountain lion, also known as the cougar or panther, is a big cat. It's the fourth largest cat in the world.Not being able to roar though, keeps this species of cat from being classified as a "big cat".If standing on it's hind legs, some cougars can be as tall as the average human. As in most animals, the females are smaller than the males, with males weighing about 160 pounds. Females usually reach a weight of 105 pounds.

FUN FACT:The cougars that live near the poles are larger than those that live by the equator.

FAMILY

The mountain lion mother is a fiercly protective mother. Sexual maturity is reached at one and a half to three years old. One litter is born about every two or three years. Mostly two or three kittens are born, but six have been known to be born. Although it's sad,only one kitten per litter usually survives. After being weaned from their mother's milk at about three months, the mother starts to teach them the art of the hunt. After about 2 years with their mother, the teenage cats leave to find their own territory.
HYBRIDS

Hybrids are sometimes made in the wild, but usually some are made in zoo's. Since the cougar's range intertwines with the jaguar territory, sometimes these two species breed. The result is called a Pumapard.

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