Your contribution will help continue our research and spread awareness about our legend of California.ĭr. In this series, we illustrate how mountain lions struggle for survival, and viewers like you will learn the importance of these big cats and how you can help to conserve them. The scientific name given to mountain lions is Puma concolor, meaning cat of one color. With California mountain lions already genetically divided into 10 sub-populations by mostly man-made barriers, other sub-groups in the state may also be at risk in the future.
![mountain lion range mountain lion range](https://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/09/Cougar-Population-Range-Map-TN-889x687.jpg)
After eight weeks of nursing, the kittens will weigh about 30 pounds.
![mountain lion range mountain lion range](https://totalwildlifecontrol.com/images/wildlife/cougars/mountain-lion-range-us.jpg)
Weighing in at about one pound at birth, the kittens grow rapidly. The spots disappear after 69 months, and the eyes turn yellow within 16 months. Their color is a light, tawny brown, which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. Females have slightly smaller ranges of about 50. Texas Mountain Lion Characteristics: The mountain lion is a large, slender cat with a smallish head and noticeably long tail. Highways and development have divided what natural habitat remains for lions, which is causing a chain reaction: migrating lions are getting hit by cars and lions that are stuck are inbreeding. Mountain Lion kittens are born with a spotted coat and bright blue eyes. On average, males have a home range covering from 50-150 square miles. Specifically, populations in wild lands around Southern California. Most native Californians have never seen a mountain lion because they are so elusive, and yet certain populations are at risk. But also, they are the spirits of the west, mysteries in the forest, and legends of California.
![mountain lion range mountain lion range](https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/sxT6IKG_7arYOc1QTRuDfG6WVmY=/1200x630/smart/filters:no_upscale()/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/TVEOS23T3HMALBAXXTWUZPTRUQ.jpg)
Why are mountain lions important? Why do we care? Well, as top predators, they are huge contributors to a stable ecosystem.