In recent years, residents of Seattle and its suburbs have been hearing more and more about cougars appearing near populated areas. These animals are traditionally associated with wild forests and mountains, but urban expansion and population growth have increased the likelihood of encounters. Although such sightings are interesting and alarming, experts emphasize that cougars remain elusive predators and pose minimal real threat to humans.
To better understand the situation, it is crucial to consider who the cougars are and where they live in Washington State.
What are cougars?
The cougar, also known as the mountain lion, is the largest predator of the cat family in Washington. Males can weigh an average of 70–90 kilograms, while females are usually lighter, around 50 kilograms. Their body length, including the tail, exceeds two meters.
The cougar’s diet depends almost entirely on large ungulates. These are primarily deer and elk, but when possible, the animal also hunts smaller game, such as raccoons or hares. Thanks to their powerful hind legs, cougars are capable of leaping more than six meters in length and up to two meters in height, making their hunting lightning fast and effective…