142 



Carnivora Fissipedia. 



PUMA. 



The Puma, sometimes erroneously called the panther, 

 is also knoAvn as the American lion. Its principal habitat 

 is in Central and South America, but it is also found in 

 some parts of the North American Continent, at one time 

 being quite common in New York State. 



The Puma is a powerful animal from four to five feet 

 long; and its bushy black-tipped tail is nearly as long as 

 the body. It is capable of making great leaps — a spring 

 of twenty feet not being uncommon. The general color 

 of the body is a light dun brown, the fur on the belly 

 being much lighter and longer than on the back. Ex- 

 cept for mountings and rugs the skins have little value 



Puma or Couguar. 



at present, though at one time they were used for car- 

 riage robes. The color changes with age until it becomes 

 a silvery fawn in the older animals. 



It is said to be swifter, deadlier, more subtle and more 

 voracious than the Jaguar. The Guanaco is its favorite 

 prey ; but the Viscachas also are the victims of its insatiable 

 appetite and thirst for blood, and in consequence of the 

 terror with which it inspires them these creatures have 

 become Avild to excess. 



