Arizona's WildLife

The mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma, is a large, solitary cat and an apex predator in Arizona’s forests, mountains, and desert foothills. Elusive and mostly nocturnal, mountain lions are rarely seen by people, but their presence is often indicated by tracks, scat, and the remains of deer or other prey. They are highly adaptable hunters, relying on stealth and powerful leaps to catch deer, elk, and smaller mammals. Adults typically range from 80 to 150 pounds, with tawny coats that help them blend into rocky terrain and dense vegetation. As top predators, mountain lions play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling ungulate populations and influencing the behavior of other wildlife. Despite their rarity, their presence is a testament to the wild and untamed nature of Arizona’s landscapes.