Animals
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South American Puma
Puma are America's second largest cat, and are comparable in size to an African leopard. As such, they are capable of killing large animals – including domestic cattle, horses, and sheep which makes the puma very unpopular with local farmers and has often led to puma being hunted out of developed areas. Other prey include wild deer, rabbits, hare, and beaver (or local equivalents). Puma are solitary hunters, often using the strength of their hind legs to help them pounce on an unsuspecting animal. With the benefit of a running leap, the puma can pounce as far as 12 metres. If the puma's prey was a large animal, it may hide the carcass in dense undergrowth, returning to it over a period of several days. |
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The Puma is probably the most widely
distributed of all the American cats – it is found
in an area stretching from Canada and including most of
Central and South America. As such, the big cat has a
number of different names including cougar, panther, and
mountain lion. However, each area has its own local
variation of puma – with colours ranging from slate
grey to reddish brown. Puma living in cold climates have
longer fur to help them survive in the colder conditions.