We knew they were from a mountain lion B a big one. A mountain lion with that size track might weigh 150 pounds and be seven feet long. The canyon we were in is ideal mountain lion habitat. The canyon bottom is covered with cheatgrass providing forage for deer. Limestone ledges on the canyon walls overlook the grass areas.
Mountain lions can observe their prey from the ledges and then drop down on it from above.
There are many small caves and grottoes in the rocks to provide shelter. They live from Patagonia at the southern end of South America to the Yukon Territory in northern Canada. They are found throughout the wilderness areas and even within some urban areas. Exploding human population has brought more people into contact with cougars. A few years ago, sport hunting advocates tried to legalize the slaughter of mountain lions in California.