Male lions are the only cats with manes. This collar of long, thick hair covers the head, except the face, and the neck down to the shoulders and chest. The mane makes the male look even bigger and stronger than he is. It also protects him during fights. The long, thick hair softens the blows of his foes.
Young males have a little hair around their heads when they are about a year old.
The mane is not fully grown until the animal is about 5 years old. Manes may be blond, brown, or black. Most are a mixture of these colors. They darken as the lion grows. The lion's coat is ideal for hiding.