Mountain Lions

The UCSC campus supports a rich and diverse wildlife population including North America's largest wild cat: the mountain lion. Lions are most abundant where there is plenty of shelter and prey and much of our campus is located in prime mountain lion habitat. With an abundance of deer, their primary food source, and even greater numbers of people living, working and recreating here, it is inevitable that people will encounter mountain lions more frequently. In order to reduce the risk of conflicts between lions and people, it is important to educate yourself about lions and what you should do if you encounter a lion. In recent years, there has been an increase in lion sightings (see Mountain Lion or Bobcat?), encounters, and livestock depredation in the state. We believe it is important that people educate themselves about the benefits and risks of living with mountain lions so we can learn to safely coexist with these majestic creatures.

It is estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 mountain lions live in California today. It may come as a surprise to some that these beautiful predators have always lived here. Felis concolor, meaning cat of one color, or mountain lions, are also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers. They may range in color from light cinnamon to tawny, and have black-tipped tails and ears. Adult males can reach 8 feet in length and can weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. The kittens are buff-colored with blackish-brown spots and dark rings around their tails. Unlike their larger cousin, the African lion, mountain lions cannot roar, although they do purr! Their vocalization is often described as a high-pitched "scream."

Lions are excellent jumpers and can leap distances of 20 feet. They prey primarily on large animals , preferring deer, but will also eat smaller animals, including coyotes. They can outrun deer, but only for a short distance. Lions usually stalk their prey, and ambush it from the rear. After making a kill, lions will usually drag the carcass under a tree or overhang to feed on it. After feeding, they'll cover the carcass with debris and return later to feed again.

Females usually give birth to 2-3 kittens between April and July. As the sole provider for her young, she will usually vigorously defend them against any perceived threat, including male lions which sometimes kill the kittens. Kittens are weaned at about 2 months, and by 6 months are becoming capable hunters. They will remain with the mother for 1-2 years. A lion's life span is about 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity.

Lions are shy and elusive. They occupy many different types of habitats, and are most abundant where there is a large deer population. Male cougars can have a home range of 100 square miles, while females tend to have a smaller range of about 20 to 60 square miles.

Lion attacks are very uncommon, but can be devastating when they occur. Since evidence shows that lions are particularly attracted to small children, children are considered especially vulnerable. For information on the history of mountain lion attacks in California (and to see how rare they truly are), visit the Department of Fish and Game website.

Tracks

The prints are quite round in appearance. Usually all four lower toes, but no claw marks will show, (since cats have retractable claws). The foreprint is 3.5 to 4 inches long; the hindprint is slightly smaller. The lobed heel pad has a single scalloped edge at the front and a double scalloped edge at the rear. The hindfoot print usually overlaps the front footprint, but seldom registers exactly within. The straddle is 8 to 10 inches and the length of stride is 12 to 28 inches.

For more information on mountain lions, see these websites:

The Mountain Lion Foundation

California Department of Fish and Game - Living With Mountain Lions

The Cyber Zoomobile - Mountain Lions