Kill larger prey by stalking within a few meters, and then leaping onto it and biting at base of skull. Caves and other natural cavities, and thickets in brush and timber provide cover. Seasonal movements within a fixed range commonly are in response to prey movements. Follow migrating deer herds. Home ranges of females may overlap completely with those of other females, or with males.
Males usually occupy distinct areas, and are tolerant of transients of both sexes.
Females may be in estrus at any time of the year, but in California, most births probably occur in spring. Some females breed at 2.5 yr, some not until fourth yr. Most females produce litters at 2-yr intervals. Reproduction is limited to the resident male, who breeds the 1 to several resident females whose home range overlap his. Transient males usually do not breed until a home range is established.