Cougar

Puma concolor

RANGE Canada to South America

HABITAT From forests to swamps to dry brushlands

DIET Mainly deer, also smaller mammals and birds

The cougar will also shift its home range to follow the seasonal migrations of its primary source of food, the mule deer and the white-tailed deer.

Cougars have adapted to many habitats and can maneuver easily through rough terrain by running, swimming and climbing trees.

The strength and stealth of this solitary creature combined with its powerful legs, sharp claws, and excellent vision make the cougar an exceptional hunter.

This ambush predator hunts mainly at night or during dawn and dusk, and will travel great distances in search of prey.

Cougars can jump 18 feet from the ground into a tree. They also have vocals that range from purrs, mews, hisses, growls, spits, and "screams".

Cougars face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, loss of their prey, and hunting by humans.

Top predators like cougars help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Without them, populations of deer and other animals would become unhealthy and too large for the habitat.