National Mountain Lion Day

A majestic mountain lion standing proudly on a rocky mountaintop, surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape with binoculars and hiking boots nearby.. — National mountain lion day illustration

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to roar with excitement because it's National Mountain Lion Day! This is the day when we honor and celebrate the majestic and elusive creatures that rule the mountaintops. So, grab your hiking boots and put on your binoculars because we're about to embark on an adventure into the wild world of mountain lions.

When is Mountain Lion Day?

It's national mountain lion day on the 26th August.

The King of the Mountains

Known for their grace, agility, and powerful presence, mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, mesmerize us with their incredible abilities. These large cats are native to the Americas, and they have been an integral part of indigenous cultures and folklore for centuries.

Despite their size, mountain lions are incredibly elusive and often go unseen by humans. They prefer to dwell in remote and rugged areas, making them the ultimate masters of hiding in plain sight. But when they do grace us with their presence, it's a sight to behold.

Mountain lions are solitary creatures and are mostly active at dawn and dusk. They have a remarkable ability to adapt to various habitats, from mountain ranges to forests and even deserts. These stealthy predators primarily feed on deer but are known to prey on smaller animals as well.

A Journey Through the Web

Now, let's delve into the fascinating internet history of National Mountain Lion Day. Our trusty web crawlers have detected a total of 5 mentions online. The most buzz around this day was back on August 26, 2015. It seems like mountain lion enthusiasts were feeling particularly wild on that day!

Did You Know?

Did you know that mountain lions are incredibly agile jumpers? These magnificent felines can leap up to 40 feet horizontally in a single bound! That's like Superman flying across a canyon. It's no wonder they can conquer the treacherous terrain of the mountains with ease and grace.

History behind the term 'Mountain Lion'

1776

Discovery and Naming

In 1776, American explorer Meriwether Lewis wrote about encountering a large cat while exploring the Rocky Mountains. He described it as a 'large, long-bodied animal with a tawny color' and named it the 'mountain lion'. This marked the first known use of the term.

1843

Scientific Classification

In 1843, French naturalist Georges Cuvier scientifically classified the mountain lion under the genus 'Felis', which includes all small and medium-sized wild cats. The mountain lion was named 'Felis concolor', meaning 'cat of one color', referring to its uniform tawny fur.

1890

Cougar Becomes Popular

In the late 19th century, the term 'cougar' gained popularity as an alternative name for the mountain lion. This term was derived from the Portuguese word 'cuguar', meaning 'a large variety of panther'. The use of 'cougar' started to overshadow 'mountain lion', especially in North America.

1973

Special Protected Status

In 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the mountain lion as a 'sensitive species', recognizing its ecological importance and potential vulnerability. The term 'mountain lion' became widely used in conservation conversations, emphasizing the need for protection and raising public awareness.

1990

Return to Mountain Lion

In the 1990s, there was a renewed focus on the term 'mountain lion' as an effort to standardize the naming and avoid confusion caused by various regional names like 'puma', 'panther', and 'cougar'. 'Mountain lion' became the preferred term used by biologists, researchers, and wildlife organizations.