Throat, chin and upper lip are white, the sides of the muzzle and back of the ears are black, with the end of the tail darkened to blackish. Melanistic cougars sometimes appear. Fur tends to be short and bristly when near the equator, becoming longer and softer when further north or south. Puma cubs have a yellowish-tan ground color and are boldly patterned with rows of black spots and rings around the tail which gradually fade as they grow. They are mainly solitary except at mating, although female territories often overlap.
Deer are the main prey together with smaller animals, including insects, according to local species.
There is no fixed breeding season. One to six, but usually three or four cubs, are born in a cave or a den under a fallen tree. They may be weaned at three months, or they can suckle longer. They accompany their mother hunting and even after they have learned to kill, stay with her for several months. Sometimes a family may stay together for a further year.