American Puma relaxing in the trees. |
The Puma (sometimes spoken of as the mountain lion, panther, and cougar) is the largest cat of North America. It is also found far down in South America. Its head is small for its body, and it does not look as formidable a beast as it really is. It does not hesitate to attack man, if it can do so suddenly, without being seen.
One day some hunters in California were creeping toward a small herd of deer, when they saw a puma doing the same thing. So intent was the animal on its prey that it did not notice the hunters being near. Suddenly the deer became alarmed, and at once the puma sprang and brought down a young doe. One of the hunters fired, but missed, and the puma, seizing its prey in its mouth, made off across the loose scree with amazing rapidity.
The puma causes great havoc among the small live-stock, and should a bullock get stuck in the mud the puma will attack it. It is not dangerous if you can keep it in sight, and you can even prevent it springing by gazing at it steadily. It will turn its head from side to side trying to avoid the look.
One day some hunters in California were creeping toward a small herd of deer, when they saw a puma doing the same thing. So intent was the animal on its prey that it did not notice the hunters being near. Suddenly the deer became alarmed, and at once the puma sprang and brought down a young doe. One of the hunters fired, but missed, and the puma, seizing its prey in its mouth, made off across the loose scree with amazing rapidity.
The puma causes great havoc among the small live-stock, and should a bullock get stuck in the mud the puma will attack it. It is not dangerous if you can keep it in sight, and you can even prevent it springing by gazing at it steadily. It will turn its head from side to side trying to avoid the look.