Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are the fourth-largest species of big cat in the world. They are native to the Americas and are found in a wide variety of habitats, from the mountains of Canada to the deserts of the Southwest United States. Cougars have long been admired for their strength and beauty, and many people are curious about their size. So, how tall is a cougar?
The Average Size of a Cougar
Cougars vary in size depending on the subspecies and geographic location. The average size of a cougar is around 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulder and 6 to 8 feet long, including the tail. Males are typically larger than females, with males weighing in at an average of 150 to 200 pounds and females weighing in at an average of 100 to 150 pounds.
The Range of Sizes of Cougars
Cougars can range in size from the small Florida panther, which is only about 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, to the larger mountain lion, which can be up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. In terms of length, cougars can range from 5 to 8 feet long. The size of a cougar will also depend on its age, with younger cats being smaller than adults.
The Large Size of Adult Male Cougars
Adult male cougars can reach an impressive size, with some males reaching up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 250 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females, and they can reach lengths of up to 11 feet long, including the tail.
Size Variation Among Subspecies
Cougars can be found in a variety of subspecies, each with its own size range. The Florida panther is the smallest subspecies of cougar, with males reaching only 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder and females reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. The largest subspecies of cougar is the mountain lion, which can reach up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 250 pounds.
The Adaptability of Cougars
Cougars are highly adaptable animals, and their size can vary depending on the environment in which they live. Cougars living in wetter, more temperate climates tend to be larger than those living in more arid regions. Cougars living in mountainous regions may be larger than those living in lower elevations, as well.
The Largest Cougars on Record
The largest cougar ever recorded was a male mountain lion from South Dakota, which weighed in at a whopping 368 pounds and was 8 feet, 10 inches long. The largest cougar ever recorded in captivity was a male mountain lion from Arizona, which weighed in at an impressive 400 pounds and was 8 feet, 5 inches long.