MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 67 
‘monly called. Following the universal fashion among the 
colonists of applying familiar names to natural objects en- 
countered, this large wild cat was early denominated ‘‘the 
panther,” although it bears no resemblance to the leopard, 
which is the true panther. More natural was it to suppose 
that the animals brought in at first were all females of the 
lion species. This presumption was given probability by the 
uniform tawny color and penciled tail of the puma. The 
name ‘‘American lion” has clung to the animal ever since and 
served to exaggerate the prowess of the rather cowardly 
beast. The native names cougar and puma are most appro- 
priately employed. The jaguar is the only feline in America 
which exceeds the puma in size. The length of a full grown 
male of the latter exceeds five feet to the root of the tail, 
which is about three feetlong. A female may measure slightly 
less. When in good condition the weight reaches 150 pounds. 
The body is long and slender, the head small, slender with 
large ears which have rounded conchs. The legs are short and 
stout and the feet are large. The tail is cylindrical and taper- 
ing and at times is furnished with a terminal brush. 
The fur is short and soft but rather dull. The color of the 
body and legs is a uniform fulvous or reddish tint; the under 
surface is reddish white; lighter and yellowish about the eyes. 
Black is found only upon the muzzle and the tips of the ears. 
The general color is described as like that of the Virginia 
deer. The young are beautifully and variously mottled and 
barred with dark brown. The tail is ringed and there is a 
dusky patch upon the neck. 
The puma ranges over the whole of South America and in 
North America north to latitude 50°-60°. It is never really 
abundant and conforms in its habits and dwelling places to the 
exigencies of its habitat. In Florida it inhabits the depths of 
the impassable everglades, in mountainous regions it makes its 
lair in the rocky fastnesses of rugged peaks. In Texas it is 
sometimes found in open prairies. 
The puma is nocturnal by necessity, rather than choice, and 
sees quite well in day light. It preys upon small or feeble 
cattle, or such as are mired or otherwise disabled. Fawns, 
raccoons, skunks, birds and all small animals are eaten. 
When provisions are plentiful the animal is said to only 
drink the blood of its victims as has been demonstrated by 
autopsies. As many as fifty sheep may be destroyed in 
one night by a single puma. In case of scarcity, on the 
other hand, even carrion is not discarded. 
