Why You Should Never Attempt to Tame a Puma, Cougar, or Mountain Lion

It may seem romantic or even daring to imagine having a wild animal, like a puma, cougar, or mountain lion as a pet. However, it's absolutely never wise to attempt to tame these creatures. Here's why:

Wild Animals Are Not Meant to Live with Humans

Wild mountain lions, or cougars, are not the same as domesticated cats. These animals belong in the wild, where they can live safely and naturally. Attempting to tame a puma is dangerous and often futile. It requires an extensive enclosure, strict safety measures, and a deep understanding of the animal's behavior and needs. Even with these measures in place, there is no guarantee of safety.

Risks and Dangers

There are several reasons why taming a puma or mountain lion should never be attempted:

Risk of Injury or Death: Wild animals, even if hand-reared, may react unexpectedly and can pose a significant danger to both the handler and others nearby. Cost and Effort: It is both expensive and time-consuming to properly care for a puma. These animals require specialized nutrition, medical care, and space. Misplaced Romanticism: The idea of domesticating a wild mountain lion can stem from misplaced gung-ho, macho, or romantic beliefs. Such actions are misguided and unnecessary.

Real-Life Examples

Let's look at a real-life example. Terri Irwin, wife of the famous zookeeper Steve Irwin, once worked at a rehabilitation center called Cougar Country. Although she had a puma that she had raised from a kitten, the animal did not remember her and did not exhibit any signs of affection. This highlights the fact that even well-cared-for felines do not form the same attachments as domesticated pets.

Furthermore, pumas are solitary animals by nature. Their social structure is different from that of horses or dogs. They lack the natural inclination to form long-lasting bonds with humans. This is an important factor to consider when thinking about caring for a wild cat.

Consequences of Domestication

The serious consequences of domesticating wild animals include:

Loss of Wildlife: There are already too many big cats in captivity across the world. These animals are often mistreated or under-stimulated. Inadequate Welfare: Sanctuaries, which aim to provide better lives for these animals, are often over capacity, and the animals still live in environments that lack the complexity and freedom of a natural habitat. Wildlife Interference: Interacting with wild animals can be detrimental to the environment, as these interactions can alter their natural behavior and disrupt ecosystems.

Instead of trying to take a wild puma or mountain lion in, consider alternative choices that are more appropriate. Domesticated animals such as Maine Coons, Irish Wolfhounds, or Great Danes are excellent companions and offer safe and rewarding experiences.

Conclusion

The preservation of wildlife and the health and safety of humans are paramount. Leaving wild animals alone ensures that they can thrive in their natural environment, while providing domesticated animals with loving and responsible care. Let's support conservation efforts and respect the natural habitats of pumas, cougars, and mountain lions.

[1] Photo from Big Cat Rescue, Tampa, Florida

[2] Photo from Big Cat Rescue, Tampa, Florida

[3] Screenshot from Big Cat Rescue, Tampa, Florida

[4] Screenshot from Big Cat Rescue, Tampa, Florida

[5] Image of a mountain

[6] Photo of a mountain lion in a sanctuary