The mountain lion is a large, slender cat with a smallish head and noticeably long tail. Color is a light, tawny brown which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. Also called cougar, puma, panther, painter and catamount. Life History A relatively uncommon, secretive animal. Also preys upon rabbits, jackrabbits, javelina, and rodents.
Some lions occasionally kill livestock or dogs.
Solitary, except during breeding. Females usually breed every two to three years. The mountain lion has the widest distribution of any wild cat, from Canada to South America. Formerly distributed throughout North America, the mountain lion is now found mostly in the remote areas of the western U.S., as well as western Canada and much of Mexico. A small population still exists in southern Florida, where the species is considered endangered.