Eastern Cougar (Felis concolor cougar)

The eastern cougar is the largest member of the cat family living in the United States. Males can grow to 2.4 m (8 ft) long, including tail, and weigh up to 115 kg (227 lb). Females can grow to 2.3 m (7 ½ ft) and weigh up to 60 kg (132 lb). Cougars are golden-brown, and do not have any spots or stripes. They are active at night and prey on deer, wild turkeys and pigs, rabbits, and occasionally they prey on small farm animals, if available.

The eastern cougar has been listed as an endangered species throughout its range since 1973. There have been few sightings of cougars in the southeast in recent years. Cougars have almost disappeared for many reasons. People have been hunting and trapping cougars extensively for a long time. Cougars have large home ranges (up to 25 square miles). Many of the forested areas where they used to live have been cleared for development. Another reason is that deer, the main prey of cougars, have been declining in numbers also. As deer populations decline due to hunting or loss of forested lands cougars have less to eat.

Researchers continue to monitor for evidence of cougars. Traditional methods include looking for cougar tracks in the snow and listening for cougar screams. A new method may help detect cougars. Scientists now can analyze animal feces found in the woods for certain chemicals that are specific only to eastern cougars.