The puma is
a large wild cat found in both North and South America. It is extremely
adaptable and able to live in a wide range of habitats, from forests to
deserts. It is an expert ambush predator, an amazing jumper, and the second
largest cat in the Americas (the largest being the jaguar).
Given their inherent caution and stealthy nature, they’re nearly impossible to see in the wild. About the only place on the planet (other than a zoo) where you’re almost guaranteed a puma sighting is Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile, home to about dozens of the big tawny colored cats.
Their
relatively high numbers in Torres del Paine is due to abundant prey (especially
hares and guanacos), the vast expanse with few human inhabitants, the
camouflage provided by the park’s yellow grasses and reddish scrub, and the
fact they haven’t been hunted for so long within the park boundaries.
Adult males grow to 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) long and females average 1.5 to 2.1 meters (5 to 7 feet). Males typically weigh 50 to 82 kilograms (110 to 180 lbs) and the female 36 to 59 kilograms (80 to 130 lbs).
Pumas are
powerfully built, with large paws and sharp claws. Their hind legs are larger
and more muscular than their front legs to give them great jumping power. They
can run up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and jump as high as 4.6 meters (15 feet).
Like most
cats, the puma lives and hunts alone, and only actively seeks out other pumas
in order to breed. The puma is nocturnal (active during the night), and is also
likely to be active at dawn and at dusk. Although it usually moves under cover
of darkness, it’s not all that unusual for a puma to be seen during the day.
About the only place on the planet (other than a zoo) where you’re almost guaranteed a puma sighting is Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile, home to about dozens of the big tawny colored cats.
One of the best ways to observe and photograph these cats is joining our Wild Puma Tracking Tour. Offered from September until May, the SouthQuest tours are led by the expert guide Ricardo Casarin and you still have the possibility of being accompanied by nature photographer João Marcos Rosa, who has several trips to Torres del Paine with amazing images of the cats.
For those who seek the untamed allure of nature’s wilderness, there exists a place that beckons with its vast expanses of flooded grasslands and unparalleled biodiversity: Pantanal. Situated primarily in Brazil but extending into (...)
Explore the heart of Patagonia, where adventure meets untamed beauty. Discover 5 captivating facts about the elusive pumas, from their remarkable size to their vital role in the ecosystem. In the stunning Torres del (...)