|
The South American cougar is mainly active at twilight. Its colorization is light plain grayish brown. Cubs are born with spots on their bodies with rings on the tail that disappear as they get older.
Cougars take advantage of steep canyons and rocks for protection and food. They are loners by nature, known as the "Ghost of the wilderness". They are carnivores and are stalking predators.
Also known as the jaguar, puma or mountain lion, this long, tawny cat is the second largest cat of the Americas.
A solitary animal that comes together only to mate. Females are able to breed as soon as 18-24 months of age. Litters occur at 2-3 year intervals. The gestation period is 92 days. Born with blue eyes and spotted coats, cubs stay with their mother for 2 years. She is a playful, loving mother, teaching the cubs all they need to know to survive. Litters will be from 1-5, usually 3, kittens.
The cougars' successful hunt depends solely on the element of surprise. A fatal bite below the base of the skull, resulting in a broken neck, is their preferred method of killing.
Contrary to popular belief, cougars do not lurk in tree tops. They hunt from the ground and ambush prey from behind. Nocturnal and solitary hunters.
The cougar emits a birdlike whistles and terrifying piercing screams to communicate where they are and as instructions between the female and her cubs.
|
