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Lion
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Mountain
Lion
(also Puma, Catamount or Cougar)
Color:
tan colored coat and the muzzle, chin, throat, breast,
and insides of the legs are whitish
Distinguishing Marks: relatively small head, with a
black spot above each eye
Length: up to 7 feet long
Weight: 65-180 lbs.
Claws: 5 retractable on front paws, 4 retractable
on hind paws
Jumping: from standing position, 15' vertical and
40' horizontal
Food Sources: deer, elk, wild hogs, birds, porcupines,
fish and other small prey
Habitat
The American lion is very territorial and their home areas
can range from 25 square miles in Idaho and California to
1000 square miles in western Texas.
Mountain
lions are remarkable in their adaptability to a wide range
of habitats. The mountain lion is found from British Columbia
to Patagonia and seem equally at home in Alberta’s alpine
forests, Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, or Mexico’s tropical
jungles. They are found from sea level to 14,765 feet, in
the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, the desert Southwest,
and in Florida’s Everglades.
Breeding
Females usually breed at about 2 years of age and the gestation
period is about 90 days. They commonly have 2 or 3 (but
as many as 6) kittens, or cubs, though rarely more than
three survive. Newborn kittens weigh about one pound, measure
about a foot in length and have dark spots on their coats
and their tails are ringed. Within 8 to 12 months these
spots will fade. The kittens are weaned at 2 months and
are soon accompanying their mother around the home area.
The mother raises her young alone and trains them how to
hunt. The kittens stay with their mothers for 18-24 months,
after which time they will leave in search of their own
home range.
Behavior
Mountain
lions mark the boundaries of their home areas with scrapes
of earth, leaves, and urine. They tend to be active at dawn,
dusk, and at night, when they roam their home area in search
of prey.
In
a healthy ecosystem, mountain lions are a top predator,
helping to balance wildlife populations. Deer are the mountain
lion's primary food sources, however, as opportunistic feeders,
mountain lions can survive on a variety of prey including
rodents, birds, porcupines, fish and raccoons, as well as
livestock and domestic animals.
Travelling
in Mountian Lion Country
Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet, and
elusive. The chance of being attacked by a mountain lion
is quite low compared to many other natural hazards. Encounters
with mountain lions are rare and the risk of injury or death
from an attack is infinitely small. California Department
of Fish and Game statistics show that, in the last 20 years,
hunting accidents killed more than 85 Californians and injured
700. In the last 100 years, only 13 fatal mountain lion
attacks occurred on the entire North American continent.
In that time, more than 10,000 people were killed by deer
and 15,000 by lightning.
Before the hike
Contact
the local ranger station, wildlife agency or park headquarters
for information about mountain lion activity in the
area and information about policies and recommendations.
Familiarize
yourself with mountain lion behavior and signs of mountain
lion presence.
During
the hike
Do
not leave pets or pet food unattended, especially at
dawn and dusk. Pets can attract mountain lions into
developed areas.
Always
hike, backpack, and camp in wild areas with a companion.
Watch
children closely and never let them run ahead or lag
behind on the trail. Talk to children about mountain
lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
Use
bear-proof containers, double backing and other airtight
methods for sealing in odors that might otherwise attract
a mountain lion.
Remain
on the trail.
Don't
hike at night
Mountain
Lion Encounter! What now?
Although lion attacks are rare, they are possible.
There are things you can do to discourage a mountain lion
attack.
Do
all you can to appear larger. Open your jacket, raise
your arms, throw stones, branches, etc., without turning
away. Wave raised arms slowly, and speak slowly, firmly,
loudly. The goal is to convince it that you are not
prey and may be dangerous yourself.
Never
approach a mountain lion especially one that is feeding
or with kittens.
Most mountain lions want to avoid humans. Give a mountain
lion the time and space to steer clear of you.
Don't
run. This may trigger their instinct to chase. Hold
your ground or back away slowly.
Face
the lion and make eye contact.
Stand
upright. Never bend over or crouch down. Doing so
causes humans to resemble four-legged prey animals.
Crouching down or bending over also makes the neck
and back of the head vulnerable.
If attacked, try to stay on your feet to protect your
head and neck and fight back with everything you've
got.
Bibliography
Canadian
Wildlife Service
Microsoft
Encarta
Mountain Lion Foundation
National Park
Service
The
information provided here is for informational purposes only
and is not intended to be an exhaustive resource for the sport
of backpacking. Before beginning any backpacking trip, consult
the professionals at your local outdoor outfitter. By reading
the information provided above, the user agrees not to hold
the author of the information or the hosting service of the
information liable for loss of any kind as a result of its
use.
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