10 Remarkable Facts About Mountain Lions

These amazing facts about mountain lions may just flat-out amaze you!

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Interesting Facts About Mountain Lions You Want to Know!

Incredible Wild Cats of North America

The mountain lion is said to be one of the largest wild cats in North America — just one of the many facts about mountain lions. Did you know that this big cat is known by many names? Cougar, panther, catamount, or puma are just some of the few.

This solitary animal can be found in many habitats, from the Canadian forests to Florida's swamps. So if you think you knew everything there was to know about mountain lions, think again.

Fact #1: Hunting Habits

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The puma usually hunts at night or at certain parts of the day, like dusk or dawn. With the stealthy ability to keep itself undetected, it can leap 40 feet away and 15 feet high.

The mountain lion attacks its prey by aiming for the base of the skull, breaking its neck in the process.

Would you like to learn more about mountain lions’ behavior? Pounce right here.

Fact #2: Mountain Lion Habitat or Territory

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Despite being solitary yet active hunters, they still require a vast range of territory. The female cougar prowls on a range of 10 to 30 square miles.

The male can occupy a range as large as 100 square miles. Learn more about the puma’s territorial range by referring to the animals of National Geographic.

Fact#3: World Record Holder

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The puma can be found in 21 of 23 countries in the Americas. Because of the vast range it occupies, it holds the Guinness world record for the animal with the greatest number of names.

It has over 40 names in English alone. Do you want to know these names? Start name hunting in Wikipedia to learn them all.

Fact #4: Females Raise Family Alone

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The only time these creatures interact is when they need to mate. After which, the male returns to his solitary lifestyle.

As for the female, she is left to raise the litter by herself.

Fact #5: Low Survival Rate

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Mountain lions have a litter size of one to six cubs; on average, two cubs. Their offspring have black and brown spots and rings around their tails.

However, they eventually grow out of these visual characteristics. On average, only one in five kittens is able to make it to adulthood.

RELATED: Venomous Snakes of North America

Fact #6: They're Faster Than You Think

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These large felines can run as fast as a car. They have been clocked at 43.5 mph.

With their flexible spine, they are able to change directions rather quickly.

Fact #7: Diet

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A major part of a mountain lions’ diet consists of large mammals such as deer or elk. However, they also prey on coyotes, rabbits, beavers, porcupine, raccoons, squirrels, and mice.

They hide their catch and devour them at a later time, or when they get hungry.

Fact #8: A Hissing Standoff or a Fight to the Death?

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When ghost cats come across each other, they initially hiss and spit at one another until one of them gives up. A vicious encounter is sure to happen if neither one of them backs down.

Fact #9: Lifespan and Size Plus Weight

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The lifespan of a mountain lion is about eight to 10 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity. The fully mature mountain lion size can measure up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 150 pounds.

Fact #10: Uniquely Purrfect

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What makes the mountain lion uniquely different from other large cats is that it doesn’t roar. Like an ordinary street or house cat, they purr.

Is there something that you know about these amazing animals that might just interest other people? Probably, as a hunter or an animal enthusiast, you have already researched a lot about them.

Sift through the animal files for more about the mountain lion.

Experience the secret life of a mountain lion family taken by National Geographic:

There is a lot more to learn about the mountain lion. A parting fact: Did you know that it can live as high as 10,000 feet above sea level?

Not to mention, in almost any kind of environment? Well, if you think that is astonishing, wait until you learn more about this large felid of the Felinae subfamily.

As a hiker, animals are rarely encountered because most hikers prefer to stay on the trail and these trails are usually far off from animals. But a chance encounter with a bear or a mountain lion is still something that should not be taken lightly.

Knowing some facts about mountain lions can help hikers like you keep safe all throughout the hike.

Do you wish to learn more about other amazing animals? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 10, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.