National Cougar Day

The cougar is the biggest of all the small cats, with subspecies across the Americas. Its Latin name is Puma concolor, and it’s known in different parts of the world as a puma, panther, and mountain lion.

Want to know more about this powerful, intelligent animal? Then celebrate National Cougar Day with us by finding out about the behaviours of the cougar, the threats they face, and what you can do to help.

About National Cougar Day

National Cougar Day is held on June 12th each year and was first established in 2019 to promote the conservation of cougars, their importance as a keystone species, and the threats to their survival.

Cougars are affected by trophy hunting, factory farming, commercial exploitation, and climate change. So, National Cougar Day is the perfect day to learn more about these issues and support cougar conservation efforts.

6 fascinating cougar facts

Discover more about cougars with these fun cougar facts:

Cougars are sentient beings that are playful, emotional, intelligent, and curious.
Pumas live across the Americas in forests, mountains, and deserts from northern Canada to the southern Andes.
Male cougars weigh between 53 and 72 kilograms and measure around 2.4 metres from nose to tail. However, their size depends on their habitat, as those living close to the equator are generally smaller than those living farther north or south.
Cougars usually eat large mammals, like deer, elk, goats, and sheep, though they also eat smaller prey, like rabbits and rodents.
Cougars are excellent jumpers and can leap around 13 metres in a single bound.
Cougars are killed by trophy hunters for their pelts. They’re also exploited for commercial gain in poorly run roadside zoos and by exotic wildlife companies.

Threats to cougars explained

Cougar numbers are decreasing, as they face several threats to their survival and wellbeing.

Trophy hunting

Cougars are hunted for sport and for their pelts, a practice which harms animal welfare, threatens biodiversity, and undermines conservation and sustainable development efforts.

They’re also victims of human-wildlife conflict and retaliatory killing if they attack livestock, a practice that threatens cougars’ survival.

Wildlife tourism

Cougars are caught and bred for profit. They’re used in big cat tourist attractions and are kept in cruel conditions in wildlife centres and roadside zoos.

Climate change

Changing temperatures and drought are impacting prey availability, forcing cougars to travel further to find food and come into closer contact (and conflict) with humans. More frequent wildfires are also destroying cougar habitat.

Factory farming

In South America, fire is used to clear land for factory farming, risking cougar habitat and lives.

How do we celebrate National Cougar Day?

Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate National Cougar Day, raising awareness and support for these fantastic felines:

Raise awareness of cougar sentience, sharing information on their social, intelligent, and highly complex behaviours.
If you want to see a real-life cougar, look for responsible wildlife-watching destinations in the form of Wildlife Heritage Areas.
Never attend a show or wildlife centre where animals are exploited for commercial gain.
Fight climate change by eating less meat and campaigning against factory farming.
Join our campaigns to push organisations and governments to safeguard animals and the habitats they rely on.
Sign up for our newsletter to find out about new ways you can help.
Donate to World Animal Protection and help us continue our work to protect wildlife everywhere.

Find out about other animal awareness days and donate to save cougars.

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Cougar facts and FAQs

What is a cougar?

A cougar is a large cat, similar in size to a jaguar. It’s found in a wide variety of habitats throughout North and South America.

What does a cougar look like?

Cougars have light grey to rusty brown fur that is just one colour, apart from the backs of their ears and the tops of their tails, which are both black. They also have powerful, muscular bodies, strong jaws, and a flat face.

Is a puma a cougar?

Yes, a puma is a cougar, and the names are interchangeable. Puma is more commonly used in Latin America, while Cougar is used in North America.

Are cougars and mountain lions the same?

Yes, cougars and mountain lions are names given to the same animal. In fact, the cougar holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of different names, including cougar, puma, panther, and mountain lion.

What is the difference between a cougar and a panther?

“Black panther” is a term used to describe leopards and jaguars with black fur. However, confusingly, cougars are also sometimes referred to as panthers. Black panthers are larger, heavier, and more powerful than cougars.