The largest cat native to Canada, the Cougar enjoys a host of aliases: Mountain Lion, Puma, Catamount and Panther. This solitary predator requires large amounts of undisturbed territory in order to thrive -- an average of 93 square kilometres per adult cat. Primarily a nocturnal hunter, the Cougar preys mainly upon deer and thus plays a vital role in controlling their numbers in the wild. Its forelegs are noticeably shorter than its hind legs, which are powerfully developed and well adapted to climbing. The long tail distinguishes the Cougar from our other native cats, Canada Lynx and Bobcat.