They tend to avoid agricultural areas, flat lands and other areas that lack cover. Pumas are mostly active at dusk, night and dawn, and can travel about six miles per night. Their primary prey is mostly hoofed mammals such as deer, but they're also partial to smaller animals like coyotes, porcupines and raccoons. They are generally slower than most of their prey but kill using the art of surprise, springing from cover at close range, usually from behind the unfortunate victim.
They're also masters of disguise and prevent pesky scavengers from stealing their kills by dragging them to a secluded spot the kill, not the pesky scavenger and covering with leaves and debris to keep hidden.
Pumas can be found all over South and North America with their range stretching from south eastern Alaska all the way down to southern Chile and Argentina , however, hunting has unfortunately reduced their range to isolated areas.
In Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, there is a good chance of seeing pumas on private jeep safaris, particularly from May to August. Awasi Patagonia have set up a Puma Foundation, working to protect the puma and the unique ecosystem they live in here, while running sustainable excursions to observe the species in their natural habitat. Read the article. Our team of destination experts will start by getting to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday.
They feed on a variety of animals from small rodents to deer, usually stalking and ambushing their prey at dawn or dusk. Adult pumas usually lead solitary lifestyles although they seek the company of their own kind during mating season. Donate Online. Saint Louis Zoo. Appearance and Characteristics These cats are graceful hunters.
When large prey are killed, the puma is known to cover them with bush and return to feed over a period of days. They subsidise their diets with large insects and small rodents. Pumas are territorial animals and territories depend on terrain, vegetation and the abundance of prey. Pumas are reclusive and will avoid areas where there are human settlements.
Female territories are usually half the size of male territories which can measure between 58 to square miles. Females mark their territories using scrape mark, urine and faeces which are also used to attract mates. Males may scrape together a small pile of leaves and grasses and then urinate on it as a way of marking their territory. Groups of pumas will only contain mothers and their young.
Adult pumas only meet for breeding. Pumas are crepuscular and are most active at dawn and dusk. Pumas are vocal cats and are well known for their low pitched hisses, growls, purrs and screams. As they have the largest hind legs in the cat family, pumas are able to leap very high up to 5.
Horizontal jumps can measure between 6 and 12 metres 20 — 40 feet. They are very fast cats and can run at speeds of 35 miles per hour, although it is best adapted for short, sharp, powerful sprints.
Pumas are good climbers and are capable of swimming. Female pumas reach sexual maturity between 1 — 3 years. One litter of cubs is born every 2 — 3 years. Females are in estrous for 8 days of a 23 day cycle. After a gestation period of 91 days, a litter of 1 — 6 cubs are born. Maternal dens are usually caves or other covered areas offering protection for the cubs.
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