Scientists generally refer to them as pumas, but these big
cats have lots of other names: including panther, mountain lion, cougar,
catamount, painter, mountain screamer, red tiger, ghost cat, Mexican lion and
American lion. Originally, 32 puma subspecies were recognized, but genetic testing
in the 90’s proved there are only two. Their footprint looks a lot like a huge
dog’s print, except pumas walk with claws retracted (something dogs can’t do.) Pumas
prefer wild game, but they’ve been known to help themselves to small pets left
unattended. There have been several news stories lately about pumas showing up
on doorbell cameras, which probably has more to do with the proliferation of
security cameras than with any recent change in feline behavior. If you happen
upon a puma, don’t try to approach or corner it. Instead, face the animal,
stand up straight and tall, and slowly back away. Most pumas will be happy to
do the same for you.
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