304 THE CAT FAMILY 



have observed, it has been said to be a match for the 

 great grizzly bear. This, however, Roosevelt says is 

 an error. The cougar was formerly common in many 

 parts of the United States, inhabiting the forests, more 

 especially those of the hills and mountains. It is a 

 cowardly animal and does not remain long in settled 

 neighborhoods ; but few are found to-day east of the 

 Rocky Mountain region. I read recently of one being 

 seen in the Adirondacks, but the animal may be re- 

 garded as extinct in most of the Eastern States. It is 

 sometimes called catamount, panther or painter, and 

 by other less familiar names, such as tiger or red tiger. 

 The cry of the cougar can be heard for miles. It is 

 best described as a loud wailing scream. When once 

 heard it will be remembered, and will never be mis- 

 taken. No other animal can imitate it. There are 

 usually two kittens, sometimes three; these remain 

 with the mother until grown, when she teaches them 

 to hunt the game and to rob the settlers. 



Although upon several occasions I spent weeks in a 

 good lion countr}', I seldom saw any of the lions. I 

 had no dogs and, of course, had no thought of going 

 out after them, since dogs are absolutely necessary to 

 find and tree these animals or bring them to bay. 

 Upon one occasion when out on a large plain at the 

 base of the Rosebud Mountains, Montana, while riding 

 about on an Indian pony and shooting sage-grouse 

 from the saddle, I started an immense cougar which 

 was, no doubt, after the same game. The pony took 

 alarm at the great cat as it slipped from behind a sage- 

 bush a few feet ahead and, while I tried to steady him 

 for a shot, the cougar ran off some fifty yards and dis- 



