Cougar Crossing Exhibit

Cougars in Oregon

The largest member of the cat family in Oregon, the cougar (Puma concolor) is known by many names: panther, puma, catamount, mountain lion, but most commonly, cougar. Historically, the cougar had one of the most extensive distributions of any North American wildlife species. They are secretive animals that are perceived by many as a symbol of wilderness and the western backcountry. Cougars in Oregon were once hunted as a predator and nuisance animal for bounty. They are now considered game animals and managed to ensure a healthy population. Although few people have the opportunity to see a cougar, increased observations, road kill incidents, and increasing complaints indicate the statewide cougar population has increased substantially since 1980 (estimated ~5,100 in 2003).

Where to Find Them

Cougars are highly adaptable and widely distributed, occurring in a broad range of habitats, from desert to alpine environments. They are very closely associated with deer and elk habitat, due to their dependence on these species for food. Cougars are currently distributed statewide. Biologists believe the most productive cougar habitat in western Oregon is the Douglas forest, with an old growth forest component. The best eastern Oregon habitat is thought to be the open mixed-conifer type of the Blue Mountains, including the pinebunchgrass type and the canyon country of northeastern Oregon. All Oregon cougar habitats are also productive deer, bighorn sheep and/or elk areas.

Abundance

Cougar density is influenced by a combination of prey availability, habitat structure, and tolerance for other cougars. Prey availability is directly related to the quality of habitat for prey species. In turn, prey availability directly influences cougar reproduction and mortality rates. Studies indicate cougar populations increase as prey increases.

For more information, please visit The Cougar Network