I’ve spent a lot of time in the wilderness during my life, and have seen a large variety of wildlife. But I’ve never spotted a mountain lion in the wild. A friend of mine, who has been a professional wilderness guide in Canada for 30 years, has also never seen one. I’m sure a number of them have watched me and my friend while we were in their territory. But they are shy and elusive and are not often seen, except in zoos, as was the case with today’s subjects.
Mountain lions have a large range, extending from Alaska to Patagonia. They also have a variety of names, including cougars, pumas, and panthers. They are solitary, predators that can survive in diverse habitats like mountains, forests, deserts, and swamps. Adults can weigh 80–200 pounds, and males are larger than females. They are apex predators, primarily hunting deer, elk, and smaller mammals. .
We spotted these two mountain lions taking a nap at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield, California. One of the better exhibits in their collection.
Except for their size, you could interpret them as sleeping pets.
