We think we understand them, and this can lead to some misconceptions concerning cougars. For they are wild animals and should be respected as such. The thick, expressive tail makes up about one-third of the total length. The coat is typically a tawny color, shading into red in the southwest or grey in the northern part of their range. The muzzle and chest are white, with dark triangular markings on either side of the mouth and a dark tail-tip.
Cougars are solitary animals, and come together only for mating.
Cubs stay with their mother for up to two years. She is a playful and loving parent, teaching her young what they need to know to survive. America's largest cat patrols a territory of 125-175 square miles, with female ranges a bit smaller and often overlapping the males'. These scrapes serve to warn other cats, and territories are defended by mutual avoidance rather than direct confrontation. They favor dense forests that provide good stalking cover while hunting.