Range:  British Isles.  Mountain regions of western, coastal eastern and southern states  and Florida of the US.  Central America and most of South America. 

Size:  Male approx 2.8 meters including tail. Female approx2.0 meters including tail.

Weight:  Male between 60-80 kilos.  Female between 40-60 kilos.

Diet:  Mammals and some birds. Sheep are taken in some areas of the UK.  Muntjak deer are taken.  Fallow Deer could well be taken.  In the US deer are the main diet, some records state as much as 54% of Puma kills are deer.

Mating:  Non-seasonal with a gestation period of about 92 days, birthing 1-5 cubs.

The Puma, also known as the Cougar or Mountain Lion, is a seldom seen and unofficially unrecognised species  living and breeding in the British Isles.  It is a solitary and secretive animal only coming together to mate.  The cubs are born with blue eyes and a spotted coat.  They remain with the mother for about two years learning their specialised hunting techniques.  Unlike the Black Leopard, the Puma does not make use of trees for its hunting.  All its hunting is carried out from the ground, using stealth and surprise to catch its prey.  The killing method is normally a bite at the base of the skull.   Pumas emit bird like whistles and sharp piercing screams to communicate their whereabouts and to stay in touch with their cubs.  The plain grayish brown colouring of these cats is perfect camouflage for the British country side.  In their natural habitat they may range over a territory of about 100 square miles.  Like the Black Leopard the Puma will avoid contact with humans at all times.