| The Puma, among
other names, is also known as the Cougar,
Panther or Mountain Lion. Although the
animal's coat is all one colour apart from the black tip of its tail, the
colouration varies greatly from slate grey, through yellow buff to light
reddish brown. The Puma inhabits the south west of Canada down the western
states of North America and can be found throughout western parts of
South America. Its size varies greatly
according to its habitat. The male
puma's territory can often be in excess of 100 square miles, overlapping
several females territories who maintain smaller ranges. The Puma is a
solitary, mostly nocturnal hunter, making on average, one large kill per
week, which it will cache in dense undergrowth returning to it over several
days. It prefers small deer, but is also willing to attack sheep, rodents,
rabbits, hare and beaver. It has also been known to tackle larger prey such
as domestic cattle and horses. |
