Introduction:

Name: Felis concolor - "Cat all of one color"
Subspecies name in California: F. c. californica
Family: Falidae
Genus: Felis
Subgenus: Puma

Interesting Fact:The only wide-ranging, long-tailed cat of North America

The California mountain lion is also known as "the cat of many names." There are more names in the dictionary for cougars than for any other animal in the world. Although half of California land is prime mountain lion country, this comes as a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on deer and other wildlife, and playing an important role in the ecosystem. They are also known as one of the most adaptable mammals on earth.

Photo by Karen McCall and Jim Dutcher
 
The status of the mountain lion in California evolved from that of "bountied predator" between 1907 and 1963, meaning monetary incentives were offered for every mountain lion killed, to "game mammal" in 1969, to "special protected mammal" in 1990. The change in legal status reflected growing public appreciation and concern for mountain lions.

You may live or play in mountain lion country. Like any wildlife, mountain lions can be dangerous to the uninformed. By arming yourself with a little knowledge of cougar behavior, habitat, and rules for avoidance, you can coexist peacefully with these magnificent animals.

Behavior | Lion Country | Physical Appearance | Population & Mortality |
Habitat & Home Range | Lions & People



Mountain Lion Web Page - "Educating the World about Mountain Lions"