Mountain lions are some of the most feared and revered animals in North America.
Also called cougars pumas and catamounts these powerful predators have long been a source of both fascination and terror.
Despite their fearsome reputation mountain lions are actually quite elusive and sightings of them are relatively rare.
There are a few things you can do if you want to try to track a mountain lion.
First it’s important to know what kind of habitat mountain lions prefer.
They generally prefer areas with dense vegetation which provides both cover and prey.
Mountain lions will also use areas with high cliffs or rocky outcrops which offer escape from predators and a vantage point for hunting.
If you’re in an area that you think a mountain lion might frequent keep an eye out for tracks.
Mountain lion tracks are larger than those of house cats and they have a distinctively long and narrow shape.
You might also see claw marks in the sand or soil.
Another sign of mountain lion activity is scat or animal droppings.
Mountain lion scat is usually about 3-4 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches long.
It is often dark in color and may contain hair bones or other bits of prey.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a mountain lion you can try to track it by following its footprints.
Mountain lions usually travel alone so tracking one can be difficult.
They are also very good at climbing so don’t be surprised if it leads you up a tree or onto a rocky outcrop.
If you’re serious about tracking a mountain lion your best bet is to hire a professional tracker.
There are a number of companies that offer tracking services and they will have the equipment and experience necessary to find and follow a mountain lion.
Whether you’re tracking a mountain lion for fun or for study it’s important to be respectful of the animal and its habitat.
Mountain lions are wild animals and they can be dangerous.
Never approach a mountain lion and be sure to keep your distance if you spot one.
How can I track a mountain lion?
Answer 1: You can track a mountain by following its footprints.
Look for large paw prints with long claws.
You can also look for scat or mountain lion droppings which are usually full of hair and bones.
How big are mountain lion tracks?
Answer 2: Mountain lion tracks are approximately four inches long and four inches wide.
How often do mountain lions move?
Answer 3: Mountain lions typically move every two to three days.
How far do mountain lions travel?
Answer 4: Mountain lions typically travel between 10 and 20 miles a day.
How much time do mountain lions spend hunting?
Answer 5: Mountain lions typically spend between four and eight hours hunting each day.
What does a mountain lion eat?
Answer 6: Mountain lions typically eat deer elk rabbits and other small mammals.
How much does a mountain lion weigh?
Answer 7: Male mountain lions typically weigh between 150 and 200 pounds while females typically weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.
How long is a mountain lion’s tail?
Answer 8: A mountain lion’s tail typically measures between three and four feet long.
What is the mountain lion’s scientific name?
Answer 9: The mountain lion’s scientific name is Puma concolor.
What other names does the mountain lion go by?
Answer 10: The mountain lion is also known as the cougar puma panther and catamount.
Is the mountain lion endangered?
Answer 11: The mountain lion is not currently endangered but its population is declining in some areas.
How many mountain lions are left in the wild?
Answer 12: It is estimated that there are between 30000 and 50000 mountain lions remaining in the wild.
What are the biggest threats to mountain lions?
Answer 13: The biggest threats to mountain lions include habitat loss poaching and automobile collisions.
What can I do to help mountain lions?
Answer 14: You can help mountain lions by supporting organizations that work to protect their habitat and by avoiding products that contribute to habitat loss.
Where do mountain lions live?
Answer 15: Mountain lions are found throughout North and South America from Canada to Patagonia.
