Mountain Lion
| Scientific Name | Puma concolor |
|---|---|
| General Description | Mountain lions have a typical cat physique, with a short nose and a long sleek body. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs. They have a long tail (nearly as long as the body) that is a similar diameter throughout with a black tip. Mountain lions are tan to light brown with a lighter chin, chest and belly. Their ears are round and set widely apart on their head. Additionally, mountain lion kittens are born with black spots that are almost completely faded by the time they reach age 1. |
Tracks |
Front– 3" L, 3-1/2" W Rear– 3" L, 3" W Walking stride: 19" - 32" |
| Total Length | 60-108 inches |
| Weight | 75-170 pounds |
| Habitat | Mountain lions inhabit the badlands and Missouri River breaks regions of North Dakota. However, because they are capable of traveling great distances, they have turned up in all parts of North Dakota. The main habitat requirement for mountain lions is stalking cover to successfully hunt prey. Stalking cover can be in the form of trees, brush or rugged topography. |
| Breeding Season | Can breed anytime of the year, but peak activity occurs February-March. |
| Gestation Period | 92 days |
| Litter Size | 1-5 (average 2-3) |
| Social Aspects | Solitary, except when breeding or rearing young. |
| Status | There is a stable mountain lion population in western North Dakota, where there is a limited hunting season. |
| Food Habits | Mountain lions are strictly carnivorous with deer and elk comprising most of their diet. Additional prey includes bighorn sheep, porcupines, rabbits and turkeys. Although not common, mountain lions are known to kill livestock. |
| Fun Facts | Mountain lions are also known as cougars, pumas and Florida panthers. There has never been a scientifically documented case of a melanistic mountain lion. In other words, a black mountain lion has never been trapped, shot, killed by an automobile, photographed or bred in a zoo in recorded history. However, many mountain lion sightings in North Dakota and other states are of "black" mountain lions. |
Other Information
Status of Mountain Lion Management in North Dakota