The Puma concolor, commonly known as a mountain lion, cougar, or simply a puma, resides throughout western United States and Canada – primarily in mountainous unpopulated regions1. Although isolated sightings have occurred in eastern and central United States2.
Identifiable Features#
The P. concolor is a large cats3 with a slender body1. They have yellow to gray fur1 and a white to grey belly and chest3 1. Puma concolor have pink noses that have a sounding black border that extends outwards to their lips as stripes on their muzzle1. The P. concolor has black markings on the tip of their tails, ears, and snout3.
The Puma concolor is most misidentified as a Lynx rufus (bobcat), but bobcats are far smaller and have a far shorter tail4. Also unlike the P. consolor, L. rufus have a spotted coat, usually most noticeable on their legs, and pointed ears.