A capable stalk-and-ambush
predator, the cougar pursues a wide variety of
prey. Primary food sources include
ungulates such as
deer,
elk,
moose, and
bighorn sheep, as well as domestic cattle, horses and
sheep, particularly in the northern part of its range. It will also hunt species as small as insects and
rodents. This cat prefers habitats with dense underbrush and rocky areas for stalking, but it can also live in open areas. The cougar is
territorial and persists at low population densities. Individual territory sizes depend on terrain, vegetation, and abundance of prey. While it is a large predator, it is not always the
dominant species in its range, as when it competes for prey with other predators such as the
jaguar,
grey wolf,
American Black Bear, and the
grizzly bear. It is a reclusive cat and usually avoids people.
Attacks on humans remain fairly rare, despite a recent increase in frequency."