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Mountain Lions

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Let's Learn about Mountian Lions!

Mountain Lions are also known as cougars, panthers or in my native state of Vermont, catamounts. Mountain Lions were believed to have died out in Vermont after the last catamount was shot and killed in Wardsboro in 1875.

As homeschoolers we have been learning about the animals that live in the northern forests. At first we thought that wolves were traditionally the top predator in Vermont but as we began to research we discovered that actually it was the Mountain Lion.

In this unit study we will learn about habitat, growth and development, and reasons why Mountain Lions were persecuted to extinction in the Eastern United States. We will also learn about Mountain Lion prey, Mountain Lion tracks and much more.

Included in this unit study about Mountain Lions you will find suggested readings, games, activities and ideas for incorporating science, social studies, math, language arts, art, music, and physical education. Come sharpen your claws and prowl through this unit study as we learn all about Mountain Lions...

Photo Credit: Safari: Mountain Lion
Available on Amazon

Language Arts

Mountain Lion Facts

Non-Fictions Books about Mountain Lions

Mountain Lion in the Snow

Photo Credit: Cougar snow by ForestGladesiWander
Used under creative commons



When we begin out unit study about Mountain Lions we brainstorm everything we know and would like to know about these beautiful cats. Then I like to first read a non-fiction book to get a basis of knowledge.
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Tales of Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions in Fiction

Family of Stuffed Mountain Lions

Plush Mountain Lions

What do you call this animal?

Cougar"

Photo Credit: Mountain Lion
on WPClipart


The Mountain Lion is called many different names depending on where you come from.

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Mountain Lion Vocalization Quiz

Mountain Lion Snarling Aggressively
Mountain Lion Snarling Aggressively
Joe McDonald
Available on Allposters

Mountain Lion Letter Center

Create in independent learning center by placing letter tiles that spell the words Mountain Lion on cat shaped mats. Rearrange the letters to find other words, Record the words you find.

Variation: Assign points for the number of letters in each word. 2 points for 2-letter words, 5 points for 5-letter words. Etc.
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Math

Measuring a Mountain Lion

How big is a Mountain Lion?

Adult Mountain Lions are about 2 1/2 feet high and about 8 feet long from nose to tail. The tail of a Mountain Lion can measure as long as 38 inches.

These numbers are meaningless to children unless they see and experience the actual lengths. Take a look at an adult that is with you right now. How do the measurements of the mountain lion compare to the measurements of this adult? Measure 8 feet on the floor. Ask the adult to lie down. Is this adult 8 feet long? How many children would it take to cover 8 feet?

Draw and cut out the silhouette of a Mountain Lion drawn to the actual measurements in order to create a Mountain Lion unit of measure. Make a list of all the things you can find that are about a Mountain Lion long in length or a Mountain Lion tall in height.
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Science

Cats Big and and not so Big

Wild and Domestic Cats

Various Cats: Leopard, Cougar, Lynx, Wildcat, and the Domesticated Variety
Various Cats: Leopard, Cougar, Lynx, Wildcat, and the Domesticated Variety
Available on Allposters



Here are a few other unit studies I have written about cats. Kitty Talk explore the ways that humans can learn to communicate with their pet cats.

The Awesome Pawsome teaches us about programs in zoos designed to increase populations of tigers to prevent extinction of the species. It is hoped that by increasing awareness of the problem, funds will become available to purchase land and reintroduce tigers into the wild. In the meantime zoos are trying to maintain and improve the gene pool for tigers.

Salsa for Kittens and Puppies is a story written and read for children in digital format about the music and dance that came out of Spanish Harlem. Using cute kitten and puppy characters to represent the greats of that genera such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and others.
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Create and Explore Mountain Lion Habitat

Puma


Set up a sensory table with rocks, soil and plastic mountain lions. Add some rabbits and other prey for the mountain lions to eat. Your children will love to act out the information you have been learning about these wild cats. Giving the children opportunities to use the information they have been learning will help to create connections in their minds, bring up new questions to be answered and may lead to new discoveries as well.
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Mountain Lion Habitat

Create a Mountain Lion Habitat

Mountain Lions can be found in most any habitat but prefer dense underbrush for hiding behind or rocky outcrops for stealthily observing their prey. Mountain Lions can also be found in open areas.

When playing in the Sensory Table encourage children to explore the advantages to being up on a rocky cliff, hiding behind bushes or out in the open.
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Social Studies

Mountain Lions are returning to Vermont


Photo Credit: Mountain Lion
on WPClipart


Slowly but surely Mountain Lions are returning to the forests east of the Rocky Mountains. Mountain Lions are stealthy and are rarely seen even but scientists who are actively looking for them making it difficult for wildlife experts to say just how many their are and exactly where they live.

Enough credible reports of Mountain Lion sightings have been filed that we can now be sure that Mountain Lions are indeed returning to Vermont.

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Are Mountain Lions Living in Vermont?

Visually appealing compilation of data related to Mountain Lion sightings in Vermont gathered by Paul Barrille for Colby Sawyer.4 points

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The Eastern Cougar | NatureSkills

Lately in Vermont there have been sightings of large, majestic beings that are nearly invisible prowling through the countryside bearing a striking resemblance in movement to our own familiar house cats.3 points

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Cougar Rewilding Foundation

News and research on the rewilding or reintroduction of cougars, also known as Puma concolor, east of the Rockies.3 points

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Mountain Lions Are Back in Vermont! | United States Forum | Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Until recently, it was thought that the last mountain lion (a very big cat -- aka a catamount) disappeared from our state decades ago. However, reports have started surfacing again in recent years, and we have now spoken with no fewer than SIX reliable people who have SEEN one (maybe the same one, f...3 points

Art

How to draw Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions

Photo Credit: Mountain Lions - Original Wildlife Print
by Ernst Denzler in 1944
Available on Amazon


Study different positions of Mountain Lions. Notice the way they hold their ears or crouch down low when stalking. After you have drawn the outline of your Mountain Lion, begin to fill in the shaded spots. With a little practice and maybe a little help from the book, Draw 50 Cats, your Mountain Lion drawings will become more and more realistic.
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Mountain Lion Coloring Pages

Paint by Numbers, Mountain Lion Number One
Paint by Numbers, Mountain Lion Number One

Available at Allposters

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Cougar, Puma, Mountain Lion

Free printable coloring book pages includes this Mountain Lion. Color it darkish tan with darker marking on the face and end of the tail. Notice how the Mountain Lion positions itself as it observes its prey.0 points

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Wild Cats Coloring Book

Color the 10 endangered Wild Cats. Research each of the cats and write about your findings on the back of each illustration. Staple the pages together to form a book.0 points

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Mother Mountain Lion and Three Cubs

These Mountain Lions live in West Texas. Can you discover what kinds of birds are depicted here with the Mountain Lions? How old do you think the Mountain Lion cubs are?0 points

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Educational coloring page of cougars - by Edupics

Notice the positions of each of the cougars depicted. How do you think each cougar or Mountain Lion is feeling? What is it about the position of the Mountain Lion's ears that helps you to recognize its feelings?

Notice the lines that are used for shading. Try shading your own illustration of a Mountain Lion using similar pen strokes.0 points

Music

Songs about Mountain Lions

Singing songs together is a wonderful way for children to learn. When we sing songs about Mountain Lions I look for songs where the lyrics mention facts about this big cats. I post the words to the song and laminate. We use a pointer covered in tawny fur which resembles a Mountain Lion's tail to help everyone follow along with the words to the song.

The Cougar of Haycock Woods is performed by the Harley String Band. The lyrics tell us of the Mountain Lions ability to walk stealthily through the woods, the animals it preys upon and much more.

Photo Credit: Cougar Mascot Costume
Available on Amazon


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Let's Learn more about Wild Cats!


Photo Credit: Two Cougars on a Mountain
on WPClipart


Expand your knowledge of wild cats beyond Mountain Lions. Learn about tigers, lions, bobcats and much more. What would you like to learn?

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Tiger Island: The Awesome Pawsome

Tiger Island Zoo is raising tigers in order to save the gene pool of these endangered big cats. Sign a Petition to Save Tigers and learn tiger facts.And the2 points

Mentioning Mountain Lions

What do you know about Mountain Lions?

Safari: Mountain Lion


Have you ever seen a Mountain Lion? Would you like to see a Mountain Lion? What have you learned about Mountain Lions since reading this article about?

Here is your chance to ask questions, tell us about your experiences or in any way, comment about Mountain Lions.

  • MysticTurtle Apr 2, 2012 @ 12:33 pm | delete
    I was driving on a Forest Service road in northern NM when one stepped onto the road far ahead of me. It walked down the road away from me for awhile before it realized I was coming behind it. After that I wasn't sure if I wanted to get out to explore the lava flows...but I did.
  • Joan4 Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:42 am | delete
    Interesting information about the mountain lions. I have never seen one, not sure I want to, but I certainly don't want them to disappear.
  • imolaK Sep 22, 2011 @ 12:58 am | delete
    Your lens is very interesting and informative. Blessed!
  • Mosoma Sep 21, 2011 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Thanks for the info and lovely lens.
  • writer_villa Sep 21, 2011 @ 8:07 am | delete
    I would like to see one!
  • happynutritionist Sep 18, 2011 @ 11:22 pm | delete
    My husband has seen one cross the road in front of him at dawn while driving to work here in very wooded Northern NJ, a rare sighting, we hear of rumors of them, so far they are not seen or heard of much activity.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Sep 18, 2011 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    I often see evidence of mountain lions in my area (paw prints, animal kills, etc.). Several mountain climbers and hikers have told me they have been stalked by mountain lions near here. I hope to never experience that! Thank you for these fabulous learning resources. Appreciated!
  • vallain Sep 17, 2011 @ 8:36 am | delete
    I've only seen bobcats in the wild, not panthers. What a handsome big cat it is.
  • Eevee Sep 17, 2011 @ 6:51 am | delete
    I like to pretend that my kitty is a Mountain Lion. It's fun to watch her pounce and attack her grocery bag prey.
  • Becca_Sanz Sep 17, 2011 @ 6:46 am | delete
    I wonder how often Mountain Lions are discovered along the Appellation Trail?
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About the Author of this Mountain Lion Unit Study

Come learn about the other unit studies I have written. Each of these unit studies features unique games and activities that explore the topic using all five senses in fun, creative, hands-on ways that children will love. Go far beyond just paper and pencil. Dive into the topic. Become the animal you are studying. Get wet! Get muddy! Splatter yourselves with paint. Learning is the experience of a lifetime!
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P.S. What is The Homeschool Club?

THE HOMESCHOOL CLUB is real parents and kids sharing their best resources for great homeschooling. Each day we celebrate learning by opening doors to a world of creativity, knowledge and discovery. In the car, at the kitchen sink, and down by the frog pond - the whole world is our classroom and we explore it with creative projects, games, and activities. This club is a place to share, organize, and discuss how and what we learn in the world. Make a free page to tell your own homeschooling story and share your favorite resources. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Evelyn_Saenz

My passion is teaching and finding ways to teach children in fun, hands-on, creative ways. The unit studies I make on Squidoo reflect my view that learning... more »

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