Mountain lions are the closest living relatives of cheetahs!.The vertebrae of mountain lions are held together by muscles instead of ligaments, giving them a flexible spine that can arch, twist, lengthen and shorten.With powerful, long hind legs, mountain lions can jump 15 to 18 feet vertically and 30 to 45 feet horizontally.When their eyes open at 8 or 9 days, they are sky-blue in color! Cubs are weaned at two or three months but stay with the mother into their second year and their spots disappear as they mature.

After a three month gestation, the female gives birth to spotted young.

Domestic livestock can also fall prey to mountain lions.īreeding starts at about three years for females and they can mate during any season. What remains after its initial meal is buried for later. They may also hide in a tree or on an overhanging rock and pounce on prey passing below. Mountain lions hunt larger prey by stalking, followed by a leap to the back of the prey and a powerful bite below the base of the skull which breaks its neck. Smaller animals such as rabbits, raccoons and birds are also eaten. Are they here in the northeast? There are reports of sightings but more evidence is needed, specifically photographs, scat, tracks, evidence of a kill or of raising young.ĭeer are primary prey along with other ungulates – elk and moose. Home range varies from 25 – 500 square miles for males to 8 - 400 square miles for females. Environments where they live include rocky canyons, escarpments and cleared areas edging forests and wetlands. Mountain lions range through more than a dozen western states plus an endangered population on the southern tip of Florida. In contrast, bobcats are smaller, spotted and have short tails. Males are larger than females and amazingly their tails can be a third of their body length. White highlights are around the mouth contrasting with dark markings on the side of the muzzle. Long, large and muscular, mountain lions vary in color from light gray to tan or cinnamon brown.

Mountain lion in hindi