Contrary to popular belief, there are no black panthers in North America no one has ever captured or killed a black Mountain Lion.Mountain lions are literally at the peak of the Santa Cruz Mountains wild food web. Its fur is a light, tawny brown color which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. These predators used to range from Canada to the end of South America.The Mountain Lion is a large, slender cat with a smallish head and noticeably long tail. These elusive cats are rarely seen, but they are certainly present in the mountains around Big Sky. Our other two.Mountain Lions are adaptable, stealthy, and solitary creatures. Colorado and California have the highest estimated populations of mountain lions in the United States.As their species name suggests, mountain lions have basically single-color tawny coats, with lighter patches on the muzzle, throat, and belly.
Males weigh 120-180 pounds. Females weigh 85 to 120 pounds. Mountain lions are often called cougars or pumas. The scientific name for a mountain lion is Puma concolor. Have you seen a lion in Montana?Mountain Lion | Photo: Pixabay Let's take a look at some interesting facts about Mountain Lions: Montana FWP estimates that 5700 potentially live in Montana.
Lions can bound 40 feet while running, leap 15 feet up into a tree, climb a 12 foot fence, and sprint up to 50 mph! They have a bi-lobed main pad with four teardrop shaped toes. Lion tracks measure roughly 3". Lions typically live 8 to 10 years in the wild.
Litter mates will travel together for several months. Most litters consist of 2-4 kittens that are born in warmer months. Lion gestation is 92 days and they give birth every two years.
They primarily prey on elk and deer. Lions can be hunted from September to April. Lions were classified as a game animal in Montana in 1971. They are a tawny color as adult. They usually have spots for 1 year.
Adults leave "scrapes" along their territorial boundaries. A physical adaptation allows them to see at night. Lions can be seen any time, but are most active at dusk and dawn. Lions silently stalk and ambush their prey when they have the opportunity to pounce.
Make noise and be aware.Most people will never see a mountain lion. Keep kids and pets close by. Follow the same rules you would in bear country - do not hike alone. Sub-adults are often transient until they find unoccupied territories.When you play in the mountains around Big Sky, you are in mountain lion country. Females have a range of about 50 square miles. Male lions have a range of roughly 100 square miles.
You have a better chance of being struck by lighting than of being attacked by a mountain lion.If you capture a photo of a mountain lion be sure to share it on social media with #visitbigsky. It is legal to kill a mountain lion with a firearm in self defense in Montana, but you must report it within 72 hours.It sounds scary, but don't worry too much. Try to remain standing, face the animal, and fight back. If you are attacked by a mountain lion, use bear spray as a deterrent. Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife , & Parks to find out what to do in the event of a lion encounter.
0 kommentar(er)
