Mountain Lion

(Puma concolor)

Though second in size only to the jaguar among American felines, the Mountain Lion (also: puma, cougar) is actually more closely related to a house cat. Fatal attacks on humans are rare but have been increasing as their habitat disappears.

Where: The cougar can be found everywhere in the continental western hemisphere, in any type of habitat.

When: Cougars are nocturnal but are occasionally seen during daylight.