Joan

Joan, born in 2022

HISTORY

Cougar Joan is quite shy and her sibling Melanie is very protective of her. Arriving at only 16 pounds each, they most likely had barely started accompanying mom on hunts and would not have yet developed the hunting skills needed for survival. If not rescued, they would have perished. Both girls recently received full examinations, spays, and vaccinations.

ABOUT COUGARS

Cougar cubs are born blind with spotted coats and black rings on their tails. At around three months old, their spots begin to fade. Litter sizes range from two to three kittens. The mother stays with the kittens anywhere from 18-24 months, with much of her time spent teaching them how to hunt. Cougar cubs orphaned in the wild are most susceptible to dying of starvation.

Cougars generally can live up to 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Their primary food source is deer, but they will also hunt rodents and livestock. They are solitary creatures and only interact briefly during times of breeding. Female cougars tend to be more tolerant of one another, sharing part of their ranges.