By Stanley P. Young, _Principal Biologist, in Charge, Division
of Predatory Animal and Rodent Control, Bureau of Biological Survey_
THE AMERICAN MOUNTAIN-LION (_Felis concolor_) is one of the
largest predatory animals of the United States, sometimes weighing more
than 200 pounds. Game conservationists recognize it as the greatest
natural enemy of deer. Stockmen learn to their sorrow that when game
is scarce the mountain-lion attacks young domestic stock, particularly
colts, lambs, and kids, and even full-grown horses and cattle. In some
western areas it is practically impossible to raise young colts or sheep
on open stock ranges in the rough, rocky, and broken country that forms
an ideal habitat for the mountain-lion.
The range of the mountain-lion, which is known also as cougar, panther,
puma, and catamount, includes at present the large wilderness areas
of the United States west of the one hundredth meridian. The heaviest
infestation is in the Rocky Mountain States and southward through the
desert mountain ranges of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. Farther
westward mountain-lions are much less numerous, except in the coastal
ranges of California, Oregon, and Washington, where they are somewhat
abundant.
For the protection of domestic livestock and of large game in certain
areas it is necessary to keep mountain-lions well under control. In
spite of control measures, however, these predators will probably long
continue to exist in the United States. There are many areas where
normal hunting and the vicissitudes of the wild can be depended upon
to keep their numbers within reasonable limits. There are also great
stretches of wilderness areas that probably will never be touched by any
mountain-lion-control campaigns.
This leaflet, intended to help stockmen and game protectors in local
control of mountain-lions, is based on the experience of Biological
Survey predatory-animal hunters. A similar publication (Leaflet No. 78)
discusses control measures for such smaller members of the wild-cat
family as the bobcat and the Canada lynx.