Fast Facts

2) Lions are primarily solitary and do not hunt in packs like wolves.

3) Males and females come together for breeding purposes only.

4) Females have 2-3 kittens that stay with their mothers for up to 18 months during which time they learn vital hunting skills and how to select prey appropriately.

5) Time of first breeding is approximately 2 1/2 years.

6) Females are either pregnant or with young 2/3's of the time.

7) Primary prey consists of deer and elk. They will also eat porcupines, wild turkey, rabbits and rodents.

8) Significant numbers of non-hunting lion mortality have been documented in the Black Hills. We do not yet know the long term impact on lion numbers.

9) Distinguishing male from female lions is very difficult. Killing female lions leaves orphaned kittens behind who may desperately prey on livestock, pets or humans.

10) There is no evidence that hunting seasons create a safer environment for humans or that hunting seasons decrease depredation.

11) According to the Public Opinion Survey of 2002, most people (80.7%) in SD agreed that by following some simple precautions, people can safely live in areas occupied by mountain lions.

12) There have been 18 cougar-related fatalities since 1900 in the US. In contrast, from 1979-1994, there have been 279 human fatalities due to dog bites.

13) Should you encounter a lion, be aggressive, make yourself appear large, yell loudly. Do not crouch down or run. Fight back if necessary.