Mountain lion calls into night with sound that might surprise youPete Thomas, For
A trail camera in the Canadian Rockies has captured footage of a mountain lion calling into the night.
Viewers will note that its vocalization is like that of a chirping bird. It’s a common sound from mountain lions, or cougars, and can signify communication with offspring. (See footage below.)
But mountain lions boast an array of vocalizations. They cannot roar ferociously, like African lions. But they can snarl and growl.
Or, as a Help Alberta Wildies Society follower noted, "They can also sound like a woman screaming." (Click here if video doesn't appear below.)
For comparison, and an explanation of cougar sounds, check out this link from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. It shows biologists reacting to a mountain lion’s caterwaul "echoing through the wilderness."
FWP explained: "Cougar communication consists of purrs, chirps, hisses, growls, and snarls that vary in pitch and volume. They have a variety of communications ranging from bird-like chirping sounds (when a mother is 'talking' to her kittens) to a more forceful scream-like noise referred to as the caterwaul.
"Female mountain lions emit this vocalization to announce that they are ready to breed. So next time you hear a caterwauling cougar, she’s not looking at you. She’s looking for love!"
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mountain lion calls into night with sound that might surprise you
Source: Nature
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