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Habits and Adaptations: Has large territory (up to 50
square km), which it marks well but does not defend; intruders
and holders of territories avoid each other; solitary; non-aggressive;
migrates in severe winters; only real enemy is wolves, which are
avoided by climbing trees; excellent jumper, able to jump 6-7
meters high from a standstill, or can jump over 10 meters in length;
often jumps out of trees rather than climbing down; active night
or day.
Diet: Prey includes any mammal in puma's territory; preferred
prey is deer. Stalks prey, killing with bite to the nape of neck;
strong enough to bring down large animals.
Breeding and Maturation: Not bound to a breeding season,
but most cubs are born in summer in North America; females in
heat for 9-14 days; gestation is 92-96 days; 2-6 young; newborn
pumas weigh 400-500 grams (about 1 lb) and are 25-30 cm (10-12
in) long; young nurse for 5-6 weeks, and eat solid food caught
by mother; stay with mother about one year. Most females in the
wild give birth every other year. Pumas can live up to 20 years.
Miscellaneous: Known as puma, cougar, mountain lion, panther
and catamount.
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