Mountain lions are one of the most feared predators in North America. Standing up to four feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 200 pounds mountain lions are formidable adversaries. But what do these hunters eat?
Mountain lions are opportunistic predators meaning they will eat whatever prey is available. In North America their primary prey are deer followed by elk bighorn sheep and pronghorn. But they will also eat smaller animals such as rabbits ground squirrels and voles. In South America their diet consists primarily of guanacos followed by domestic livestock such as llamas alpacas and sheep. They will also eat rodents rabbits birds and reptiles.
One study of mountain lion diet in Colorado found that deer made up 83% of their prey while elk comprised 7%. Small mammals made up 5% of the diet and livestock 3%. In another study of mountain lions in Wyoming deer made up 86% of their diet while elk made up 9%. Small mammals made up 3% of the diet and livestock 2%.
While mountain lions will eat just about anything they prefer to hunt deer. A single deer can provide a mountain lion with enough food for several days. In fact a single deer can provide a family of mountain lions with enough food for several weeks.
Mountain lions are stealthy predators that ambush their prey. They typically stalk their prey from behind and then pounce on them delivering a fatal bite to the neck or head.
While mountain lions are fearsome predators they are also an important part of the ecosystem. They help to keep populations of deer and other prey animals in check which can help to prevent overgrazing and protect delicate habitats.
What does a mountain lion eat?
A mountain lion typically eats deer elk moose and mountain goats.
How often does a mountain lion eat?
A mountain lion will typically eat 3-4 times per week.
What is the mountain lion’s favorite food?
A mountain lion’s favorite food is deer.
What does a mountain lion need to eat every day?
A mountain lion needs to eat 8-10 pounds of meat every day.
Where does a mountain lion get its food?
A mountain lion gets its food from hunting.
When does a mountain lion hunt?
A mountain lion typically hunts at dawn and dusk.
How does a mountain lion kill its prey?
A mountain lion will kill its prey by biting its neck and suffocating it.
How long can a mountain lion go without food?
A mountain lion can go without food for up to two weeks.
What happens if a mountain lion doesn’t get enough food?
If a mountain lion doesn’t get enough food it will become weak and starve to death.
What is the largest prey a mountain lion can take down?
The largest prey a mountain lion can take down is an elk.
What is the smallest prey a mountain lion will eat?
The smallest prey a mountain lion will eat is a rabbit.
Do mountain lions eat carrion?
Yes mountain lions will eat carrion if they are desperate.
What does a mountain lion do with its prey after it kills it?
A mountain lion will drag its prey to a safe place to eat it.
How long does it take a mountain lion to eat its prey?
A mountain lion can eat its prey in as little as 15 minutes.
What happens to the prey that a mountain lion doesn’t eat?
The prey that a mountain lion doesn’t eat will be eaten by scavengers.
