The Wisconsin mountain lion is currently considered extirpated in Wisconsin (Jackson 1961; Cory 1912). The last recorded individual was killed in 1908 in Douglas County (Cory 1912). Adult mountain lions are large unspotted cats (Fig. 1) (Jackson 1961); in Latin, the species name of the mountain lion, concolor, means single color (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Juvenile mountain lions have black spots (Fig.4) on buff-colored fur for the first 18 months of life (Jackson 1961). Adult mountain lions have a relatively small round head that sits atop a long, tawny, cinnamon buff-colored torso (Jackson 1961) which is contrasted by a white belly (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Reddish, yellowish and grayish tinges are the most common variations in pelage color. The middle of the back is darker than the rest of the body. Other than the black markings at the base of the whiskers (Fig. 2 and 3), tip of the tail, and the dorsal surface of the ears there are no obvious contrasting markings on the coat of an adult mountain lion. The claws which are retractable function to grasp and hold prey, rather than to aid in forward locomotion (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Adult Mountain lions exhibit sexual dimorphism; males tend to be larger in size than females (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Adult Mountain lions average 5-9 ft (1.6-2.7 m). This includes the tail which is 28-35 in (70-90 cm) in length (Jackson 1961). Jackson (1961) reported that adult mountain lion weights were variable and could range from 80 lbs (36 kg) to 210 lbs (95 kg). An average male weighs about 160 lbs (73 kg) where as an average female weighs about 135 lbs (61 kg). A more recent study (Whitaker 1998) estimated male weights ranging from 121-145 lbs (55-65 kg) and female weights ranging from 77-99 lbs (35-45 kg). Compared to canids, the rostrum of mountain lions is short and occipital orbits are large (Pierce and Bleich 2003). The shortened rostrum allows for a more powerful bite but reduces olfactory sense; however the larger occipital orbit increases their vision, the sense which they rely on the most.
Mountain Lion
The Wisconsin mountain lion is currently considered extirpated in Wisconsin (Jackson 1961; Cory 1912). The last recorded individual was killed in 1908 in Douglas County (Cory 1912). Adult mountain lions are large unspotted cats (Fig. 1) (Jackson 1961); in Latin, the species name of the mountain lion, concolor, means single color (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Juvenile mountain lions have black spots (Fig.4) on buff-colored fur for the first 18 months of life (Jackson 1961). Adult mountain lions have a relatively small round head that sits atop a long, tawny, cinnamon buff-colored torso (Jackson 1961) which is contrasted by a white belly (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Reddish, yellowish and grayish tinges are the most common variations in pelage color. The middle of the back is darker than the rest of the body. Other than the black markings at the base of the whiskers (Fig. 2 and 3), tip of the tail, and the dorsal surface of the ears there are no obvious contrasting markings on the coat of an adult mountain lion. The claws which are retractable function to grasp and hold prey, rather than to aid in forward locomotion (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Adult Mountain lions exhibit sexual dimorphism; males tend to be larger in size than females (Pierce and Bleich 2003). Adult Mountain lions average 5-9 ft (1.6-2.7 m). This includes the tail which is 28-35 in (70-90 cm) in length (Jackson 1961). Jackson (1961) reported that adult mountain lion weights were variable and could range from 80 lbs (36 kg) to 210 lbs (95 kg). An average male weighs about 160 lbs (73 kg) where as an average female weighs about 135 lbs (61 kg). A more recent study (Whitaker 1998) estimated male weights ranging from 121-145 lbs (55-65 kg) and female weights ranging from 77-99 lbs (35-45 kg). Compared to canids, the rostrum of mountain lions is short and occipital orbits are large (Pierce and Bleich 2003). The shortened rostrum allows for a more powerful bite but reduces olfactory sense; however the larger occipital orbit increases their vision, the sense which they rely on the most.
