Recently I had an opportunity to photograph cougars (Puma concolor) in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada, near Mariposa. Note: these are captive animals, not wild. Here are a few of the images:
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15791
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15792
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15793
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15794
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15802
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Mountain lion, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mariposa, California.
Image ID: 15801
Species: Mountain lion, Puma concolor
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, once had the broadest distribution of all American terrestrial animals, ranging from Argentina to Alaska. Habitat destruction and hunting pressure have curtailed their numbers drastically, to the point that the eastern North American population is essentially wiped out with the exception of a small number of Florida panthers. They are now restricted primarily to mountainous, unpopulated areas, although urban sightings and contacts with people are increasing as habitat destruction continues.
See more cougar photos.
