In dim light, most cats see up to six times better than humans. They are generally quiet, although their vocalizations include growls, hisses, and roars, as well as high-pitched screams. Mountain lions in the wild live approximately 10 years. The mountain lion's chief enemy is humans, with whom they compete for food and territory. Once roaming over all of North America, the mountain lion, like the wolf, has been persecuted by those who believe all the myths about the damage they have caused people and livestock.
Mountain lions climb well and take to trees if pursued.
Most are shot out of trees by hunters after being chased by their dogs. When their wild food source is limited, they may prey on livestock, and their natural instinct is to kill many animals when the panic behavior of the prey provokes them. Mountain lions hardly ever harm humans, although they will attack in self-defense or to protect their cubs. Because they are territorial, they will defend their established ranges, particularly at courtship time. When they do attack, they kill, which has given them a reputation for savagery.