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Short clip shows the beauty, speed, and power of a mature mountain lion. Even though the ground is covered in a few inches of snow, the cat barely is bothered, sprinting forward with true determination.

Solitary cats, mountain lions are highly adaptable to situations and environments, and this adaptability has enabled them to survive across much of their original range in the America's, despite severe habitat loss and active threats.

Mountain lions have a distinctive “M” shaped pad with three lobes on the rear of the heel (dogs only have two lobes). Their claw marks do not show in the track. Walking, the cat’s hind foot steps in his fore track, creating overlapping patterns. Their toes slant — similar to human feet — indicating left or right foot.

They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and cover, and will leave an area if they perceive a threat. Found in deserts, humid coast forests, arid hillsides, scrub and oak woodlands, lions can live from sea level to snow-covered mountain peaks.

A ten year lifespan is considered old age for a mountain lion in the wild. Lions in captivity have been known to live twice that long. In areas where mountain lions are hunted for sport, only a small percentage make it past five years old.

The combination of rear leg muscles and optimum overall size and weight result in mountain lions having extraordinary jumping ability.

While running they can take long jumps that exceed 13.7 m (45 ft). They can take vertical leaps up to 4.6 m (15 ft) which enables them to be excellent tree climbers. Mountain lions play an important role in keeping deer, rabbits, and other species populations in control, as part of a balanced ecosystem.

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Responses to "Stunning footage shows Mountain Lion running in winter snow"

  1. beautiful.

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