276 • CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES rPROC. 4th Sek. 



Explanation, Plate 8 



MOUNTAIN LION 

 {Pelis oregonensis) 



The Mountain Lion, in its various forms, is found from Patagonia 

 to Canada, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In different parts of 

 its range it is known by different names, as Panther, "Painter," Cougar, 

 etc. 



Although not so common as formerly, it is still plentiful in certain 

 sections of California, especially in the northern part of the State. The 

 animals in this group were taken in Humboldt County. The Mountain 

 Lion is the largest of the North American cats. It is very destructive 

 to deer and certain domestic animals, particularly colts and sheep. It 

 has been estimated that each lion in California kills on an average one 

 deer a week throughout the year. So destructive is it that the State 

 pays a bounty of $20.00 each for its capture. Up to June 30. 1916, the 

 State had paid bounties on 2,534 lions. 



Although the Mountain Lion is looked upon as a very fierce animal 

 and more or less of a menace to human beings, it is really a very wary 

 animal, and instances of its attacking man are rare indeed. It is gen- 

 erally easy to tree, even with a cur dog, and chasing it with dogs is the 

 method usually employed in its capture. 



Group prepared under the direction of John Rowley. 



Photo by Gabriel Moulin. 



