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It was the most widely distributed land mammal in the Western Hemisphere. The original distribution of the cougar was across lower Canada in the north to Patagonia, South America in the south. Cougars are solitary, territorial hunters. Prey species include deer, elk, occasionally domestic livestock, and any smaller mammals which opportunity makes available. The average life span for cougars is about eight years. A young male may leave at one year of age, but most cubs remain until they are nearly two. They leave the den at this time, accompanying the female to her kills and occasionally hunting with her individually. At six months of age, the cubs weigh 30-40 pounds. There is no set breeding season, however most births are in the spring. Life Historyįemales mate every two to three years and produce a litter of two to three cubs. Immature cougars are paler, with obvious dark spots on their flanks. Black coloring appears on the tip of the tail, behind the ears, and at the base of the whiskers on the sides of the muzzle. The muzzle, chin and underparts are a creamy white. The short fur is usually tawny (brownish red-orange to light brown), more tan in the summer months and grayer during the winter. Cougars have long, slender bodies and small, broad, round heads. Length varies from 5-9 feet (150-275 cm) this measurement includes the 26-32 inch (66-82 cm) tail. Next to the jaguar, it is the largest North American cat. Residents should report any possible mountain lion sightings immediately to HPD or Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.The cougar is known by many common names, including puma, mountain lion, catamount, and panther. Although it is called “bear” spray, the pepper powder will work on just about any wild or domestic animal that attacks.

Bear Spray. Carry bear spray with you while hiking.

Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal Others have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands.

Fight back if attacked. A hiker in southern California used a rock to fend off a mountain lion that was attacking his son.

The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back.

Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms.

In mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.

Conversely, a person squatting or bending over resembles a four-legged prey animal.

Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing up is just not the right shape for a lion's prey.

Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so that they don't panic and run.

Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase.

Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation.

The National Parks Service provides the following guidelines should a person encounter a mountain lion: In 2019 a sub-adult male lion was removed by FWP officers near Centennial Park.

Mountain lions are common in the Helena area and Helena is surrounded by their natural habitat. Officers are actively searching the area and Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been notified.

HELENA - The Helena Police Department (HPD) has responded to a reported mountain lion sighting in the area of Bull Run Drive and Gold Rush Avenue.