Cougars are one of the most common feline species in the world.These cat species are found in wild mountain regions.These are found to be native to America. In the wild, the cougar may live for around 10 years, but in captivity, the cougar may live for about 21 years.Why winter is the best time to spot mountain lions?The consensus among the general populace is that the seasons that are best in order for these large animals that are mountain lions is anytime during summers, spring, or fall. However, the reality of seeing a mountain lion is actually the opposite of this, and these predators are seen by humans largely during the winter.These predators are active in the wild during the winter. Mountain lions, unlike a lot of other animals in the wild, are much more active in the winter. This animal is living evidence of wildlife that makes the most of the habitat in the winter. To maximize your chance of spotting these wild cats, try to schedule your walk at dusk. The mountain lion is a species of cat that are nocturnal hunters, similar to the panther. However, you should remember that the cougar can be especially aggressive and can attack people who take a walk in the mountain lion’s territory.First off, the deep snow in their home range allows these cats to be able to better hunt their prey in snow. Their prey, animals such as deer, elk, and rabbits, are not able to move around as easily in the snow during the winter. This allows for the mountain lion being able to ambush its prey, mostly deer and elk, in a secluded spot due to the lack of mobility caused by the snow.Another important factor that makes the winter perfect for mountain lions is the tracks that are left in the ground. These cats are not the best when it comes to the sense of smell, and how they use smell when hunting for food. During the winter months, the habitat of mountain lions makes it easier for them to find food as their prey leaves tracks in the snow. The mountain lion uses these tracks in order to ambush the prey that they feed on.When the mountain lion finally gets its prey, the cougar will chase the prey and use its claws to feed on the prey’s neck once they catch it.Mating And BreedingThe mating season for mountain lions is no specific period. The big cat can breed year-round.The first thing to remember is that these mountain lions usually live solitary lives except for when they mate. As mentioned before, there is no specific mating period during the year, but the months where these cats have been seen mating are between December and March. During these months that mating takes place, the female mountain lion and the male mountain lion usually stay together for 3-11 days. After this period, both mountain lions then depart.Since mountain lions are polygamous, they move on to other partners. The female then carries the young cub for a gestation period of 90 days. At the end of the gestation period, the female cougar can give birth anywhere between one to four cubs. Young mountain lions have unique spots on their tawny fur. The young are cared for by the female mountain lion for up to two years, and then these lion cubs venture out into the wild for the rest of their lives.​Hunting And Feeding Habits​​The feeding habits of a cougar are particularly interesting. Here are some facts about the eating habits of mountain lions.As we mentioned before, the cougar belongs to the species of cat that hunts at night. Mountain lions are nocturnal hunters, and these lions hunt from dusk to dawn. The primary prey of the mountain lion is deer. The deer is hunted by the lion about once a week. Deer is not the only animal that this cat feeds on. Some of the animals that mountain lions feed on are porcupines, rodents, elk, raccoons, coyotes, and feral hogs. This cat species not only feeds on these prey animals but also works to preserve them. They will go on to drag their meal to another area. Additionally, lions may cover their food with dry leaves, pine needles, or grass to protect the meal from other animals such as bears or wolves, as well as keep the meal from spoiling. The cat is also known to go back to these sites over a period of several days.Living With WildlifeLiving with this cat species can bring forth certain problems, as well as certain things to note that we have observed over the years.One of the particular issues that come up with living with cougars is collisions that take place with vehicles. For cougars to find mates, they must cross territories. These usually involve long distances, and they certainly make up for busy freeways, as well as other busy roads that go through cougar territory. This, in turn, increases the number of deaths that occur for mountain lions when collisions with cars occur. In response to this, research programs have taken place that established fences around regions that have been identified as hotspots for vehicle collisions.Living in the wild also brings forth different issues. There have been instances that have been documented with mountain lions being diagnosed with the feline immunodeficiency virus. This leaves this species of cats vulnerable and has been seen to be a contributor to the declining populations of this animal.Help Mountain Lions By Keeping Your Pets And Livestock SafePets and livestock are an important aspect of how mountain lions interact with other animals.It is crucial to understand the fact that livestock owners must protect their livestock, as well as protect pets to keep them from being attacked by mountain lions. This is because these animals are prey animals for mountain lions. Hence, you must remember to bring your livestock and pets into a protected area. This is due to the fact that mountain lions usually hunt at night.Even though it may be rare, there have been instances where livestock has been snatched by mountain lions. Make sure you bring in your livestock and pets as they make for easy prey. Secondly, make sure that grazing patterns of these animals only take place during sunlight hours, as it stays in the period outside a mountain lion’s hunting time. Additionally, livestock owners must remember is to make sure that barns and other enclosures are maintained and secured to make sure that the livestock is safe and secure.The reason you should remember to keep your pets and livestock secure is that it will ensure the safety of mountain lions; since most mountain lions, as well as other predators, are killed due to their encounters with livestock and humans. Hence, we must adopt more sustainable animal husbandry practices in order to help mountain lions.

Cougars are one of the most common feline species in the world.