Felis concolor, commonly known as the cougar or mountain lion, is a large, solitary cat native to the Americas. It has a slender, agile body with a tawny coat, long tail, and powerful limbs. Cougars are adaptable, inhabiting diverse environments from forests to deserts. They are apex predators with a varied diet.

Felis concolor, commonly known as the cougar, puma, or mountain lion, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution extends from the Canadian Yukon through the United States, Central America, and South America, reaching as far south as the Andes in Chile and Argentina. This extensive range makes it the most widely distributed wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

The cougar inhabits a variety of environments, including forests, mountainous regions, deserts, and wetlands. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both arid and humid climates, ranging from sea level to elevations of up to 4,500 meters. The species is most commonly found in areas with dense underbrush and rocky terrain, which provide cover for hunting and denning.

Cougars are apex predators within their ecological niche, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer, but also consuming smaller animals like rodents and birds when necessary. They are solitary and territorial animals, with territories that cover large areas to ensure access to sufficient prey. Their adaptability to various habitats is a key factor in their wide distribution, although habitat fragmentation and human encroachment pose significant threats to their populations.