About Me:

Where? I can be found from Northern Canada and Alaska down to the Andes in South America. Sadly, much of my old range in the United States has been greatly reduced, especially in the eastern and central states.
Diet: My main diet consists of pretty much any type of meat, from insects to deer and elk! I do have to eat exclusively meat to survive, though, so I'm considered an obligate carnivore (unlike dogs).
Average Size: Usually, I'm about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall, and about 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long from nose to tail (with females being a bit smaller). Most of my length is taken up by my really long tail, that's used for balancing.
Colour: My colouration can vary a bit, anywhere from reddish to silver-grey, with a lighter belly and mouth. Actually, the second part of my scientific name (Puma concolor) means of uniform color!
Cool Facts: - I am actually closer related to small cats than I am to larger ones like lions or tigers. One reason is because I am not able to roar, since I lack the special parts in the throat that true big cats have.
- I have the most common names of any animal, with over 40 in English alone!
- I am an amazing jumper! I can jump as high as 18ft  (5.5 m) up, and as far as 40 to 45 ft (12 to 13.5 m) sideways.

Conservation Status:

In general, I'm considered of Least Concern by the IUCN, but I'm still protected in most parts. In fact, three of my subspecies are considered Endangered. Sadly, one of my subspecies, the Eastern Cougar, was declared extinct in 2011.


How to Help?
Defenders of Wildlife has listed ways you can help:
You can find out more about them at www.defenders.org/mountain-lio…