The mountain lion is found over a wider range than any other mammal in the western hemisphere, except for man. Once common, the puma has been eradicated in many areas, and its survival is threatened. The Eastern puma of North America and the Florida cougar of the Southern United States are considered endangered. Cougars' long tails may be one-third of their total body length. The coat ranges in color from reddish to brownish yellow or gray.
Black stripes reach from the mouth to the eyes, and the tail tip is black.
The head is small and round with a black spot over the eyes. Pumas usually live to be about 12 years old, but they have been known to live up to 19 years in captivity. Cougars are most active at dusk and dawn. However, they will roam and hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons. Pumas eat a variety of foods but rely heavily on deer where available.