The largest and deadliest cats in the world are known as big cats. These large mammals are usually too busy killing their chosen prey to hunt each other. The two big cat species that roam South America are the jaguar and the puma. What Happens in Jaguar vs. Mountain Wars? Today, we’ll explore every aspect of these creatures and show you which animal has the best chance of winning!
Comparing Jaguar and Mountain Lion
© AZ-Animals.com
| jaguar | mountain lion | |
|---|---|---|
| size | Weight: 126 – 300 lbs Length: 3.5ft – 5.5ft Height: 2 feet – 2.5 feet at the withers | Weight: 60lbs-198lbs Length: 5ft-8ft Height: 2-3 feet at the shoulders |
| speed | – 50 mph | – 30 mph |
| defense | – Beyond all speeds within its range – Can comfortably rest in a tree to compensate for lack of backpacking mentality – Ability to climb trees to avoid predators – Strong swimmer | – high speed – large size – good feeling – Ability to hide and use fur as camouflage |
| offensive ability | – 1,500 PSI bite force -30 teeth – 2 inch fangs – Strong, sharp, short claws – Powerful bite and long teeth | – Strong bite force of 1311N, over 400 PSI – Moderately powerful jaw – 2 inch long canine teeth – 2.5 inch claws |
| predatory behavior | – Ambush predators can attack from trees | – Ambushes a predator, wraps its forelimbs around the prey and brings it to the ground – Very quiet hunter, stalking potential prey before attacking |
What are the main differences between jaguars and mountain lions?
© Unknown/Shutterstock.com
4,827 people failed this quiz
do you think you can
The most notable differences between jaguars and pumas are their size, speed and bite strength. Jaguars range in size from about 100 to 300 pounds, run at 50 mph, and bite bones at 1,500 PSI. The Cougar weighs 198 pounds, can reach a top speed of 30 mph, and only has a bite force of around 400 PSI.
Differences in size and strength between these animals will have a major impact on the winner’s outcome. However, we cannot always guarantee that the bigger, stronger animal wins. Instead, we’ll take a closer look at the animals to show you the most likely outcome of this battle.
What’s the key factor in a jaguar vs cougar fight?
© iStock.com/Steven Anderton
The 9 Best Books About Bears – Safety Tips & Species Insight Reviews & Rankings
4 Best Deer Repellents: Reviews & Rankings
The Best Sheep Shears You Really Want to Use
Size, speed, strength, attacking style and defense are the most important factors in a battle between cougars and cougars. Only by looking at each of these elements can we quantify the dominance of one animal over another.
This process is exactly what we are going to do. We’ll compare each animal, determine who has an advantage in a certain category, and then examine all the data to determine the ultimate winner.
Jaguars vs Cougars: Size
Jaguars are larger than pumas. On average, a jaguar will weigh between 126 and 300 pounds, reach a body length of 5.5 feet, and stand about 2-2.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Cougars weigh an average of 130 pounds, but they can reach a height of 8 feet and stand up to 3 feet tall.
The largest jaguar ever recorded weighed about 328 pounds, and the largest puma weighed about 275 pounds.
Jaguars gain a size advantage due to sheer muscle mass, but they can be shorter than cougars.
Jaguar vs Mountain Lion: Speed and Movement
On average, jaguars are faster than cougars. The Cougar has a top speed of 30 mph or slightly more, but some believe it could reach 50 mph. Jaguars have been recorded at 50 mph.
Jaguars have a speed advantage over mountain lions.
Jaguars vs Mountain Lions: Defense
Both the Jaguars and Cougars have good physical defense, starting with speed. Both animals can run faster than any other animal in the area. Jaguars spend most of their time in trees, and they can also swim.
The jaguar’s ability to hide in trees helps compensate for its solitary lifestyle, as do pumas, but less frequently. Cougars are also less likely to spend time in the water.
The Jaguars and Cougars have similar defenses, so neither is dominant.
Jaguars vs Mountain Lions: Offensive Power
Both big cats love to pounce on their prey and kill it quickly. Some translations of the jaguar’s name refer to it killing prey with a single leap, which does fit the animal’s preferred method of killing.
Jaguars have 30 teeth, about 2 inches long, and their jaws can provide up to 1,500PSI of bite force. These animals also have short, sharp and strong claws to help them attack their prey.
The bite force of a cougar is relatively weak, around 400PSI, enough to kill most prey. They have 2.5 inch claws and 2 inch teeth. Using a combination of these attack tools, they leap, entangle and immobilize their prey while delivering fatal bites to the throat, head or neck.
The jaguar is the more capable fighter of the two animals.
Jaguar vs Mountain Lion: Predator Behavior
Mountain lions are ambush predators that like to sneak up on their enemies quietly before attacking. When they spot something worth killing, they will charge at their prey at full speed and use all their strength to bring it down. When they put their prey down, they often wrap their forelimbs around their prey.
Jaguars are also ambush predators, but their methods are slightly different. Instead of chasing prey, they will wait under cover. Once the prey gets close enough, the jaguar will jump out, sometimes from cover, sometimes from a tree. They also like to kill their prey by biting the neck.
Both animals are capable ambush predators.
Who would win in a battle between a jaguar and a mountain lion?
©iStock.com/lightstock
The jaguars would win the battle with the mountain lions. The fight would end with one big cat wrapping its mouth around the other’s neck. The average jaguar is larger and stronger, has the advantage of speed, knows how to attack from cover, and has a stronger bite.
When you add all of these factors together, it’s clear that the Panthers will win. Either it attacks the mountain lion from cover and wins quickly, or it turns into a long, loud brawl, with each animal biting the other.
Either way, the Jaguars’ massive bite will decide this fight.
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
