GENERAL INFORMATION
The cougar is known by many names including the panther, puma, catamount, and mountain lion. Although once found throughout much of North America, cougars are now absent from many regions where they once were common, including western North Carolina.
DESCRIPTION
Cougars are large, muscular cats. They average 7 to 9 feet in total length of which up to a third is tail and weigh between 150 and 200 pounds when full grown. An adult cougar is tan colored with black coloration on the sides of it's muzzle, the backs of the ears, and the tip of the tail. Cougar kittens are mottled with black spots and have ringed tails until they are about 6 months old.
Mountain Lion Foundation