Mountain Lion

Description:

Cougars are slender and agile members of the cat family. They are the fourth largest cats[25] and adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders.[26] Adult males are around 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long nose to tail and females average 2.05 m (6.7 ft), with overall ranges between 1.5 to 2.75 m (4.9 to 9.0 ft) nose to tail suggested for the species in general.[27][28] Of this length, 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in) is comprised by the tail.[29] Males typically weigh 53 to 100 kilograms (115 to 220 pounds), averaging 62 kg (137 lb). Females typically weigh between 29 and 64 kg (64 and 141 lb), averaging 42 kg (93 lb).[30][31][32] Cougar size is smallest close to the equator, and larger towards the poles.[3] The largest recorded cougar was shot in Arizona and weighed 125.5 kilograms (276 pounds) after its intestines were removed, indicating that in life it could have weighed nearly 136.2 kilograms (300 pounds).[33] Several male cougars in British Columbia weighed between 86.4 and 95.5 kilograms (190 to 210 pounds).[34]

Habitat:

The cougar has the largest range of any wild land animal in the Americas. Its range spans 110 degrees of latitude, from northern Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes. It is one of only three cat species, along with the bobcat and Canadian lynx, native to Canada.[35] Its wide distribution stems from its adaptability to virtually every habitat type: it is found in all forest types as well as in lowland and mountainous deserts. Studies show that the cougar prefers regions with dense underbrush, but can live with little vegetation in open areas.[2] Its preferred habitats include precipitous canyons, escarpments, rim rocks, and dense brush