This simple fact is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on plentiful deer and playing an important role in the ecosystem. Commonly known as cougar, panther or puma, the mountain lion only exists in the Western Hemisphere and is one of North America s biggest cats. In Colorado, population estimates range from 1,500 to 3,000 mountain lions. A lion s natural life span is probably about 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity.
Lions are very powerful and usually kill large animals such as deer and elk.
Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears, lions and wolves. Newborn kittens are about 1 foot long and weigh 1 pound. These cute and cuddly mountain lion cubs make their home at Prairie Wind Animal Refuge, a non-profit organization begun in 1991 and located on 42 acres of rolling prairie outside of Agate, Colorado, about an hour east of Denver. Over 60 animals make their permanent home at Prairie Wind, most having been saved from certain death or at the least, an uncertain future. African lions, Bengal and Siberian tigers, black bears, cougars, Canadian lynx, jaguars, bobcats, wolves, fox and coyote all live their lives with dignity, safety and gentle loving care under the guidance of Michael Jurick, owner and founder of Prairie Wind.