Melanie

Melanie, a Safe Haven Resident since 2022

HISTORY

Cougar Melanie is the more dominant and very protective of her sibling Joan.  Both girls were wild orphaned in Nevada.  A couple noticed them for several days on their property and hoped their mother would return, but she never did – most likely killed.  They were too young to be on their own yet, requiring sanctuary care.  Nevada does not have any experienced wildlife rehabilitators for cougars and Nevada does not allow transferring them over state lines.  We are grateful to the Nevada Department of Wildlife that allowed us to accept them for lifelong care.

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.