Connor Merritt

There’s something eerie about hearing a mountain lion noise in the wild. If you’ve never heard it, you might mistake it for something out of a horror movie rather than one of North America’s most famous predators. So, if you’re walking deep in the woods and you hear what sounds like a woman screaming for help. Don’t panic — you’ve likely just heard a mountain lion. 

Yes, you read that right. A mountain lion’s scream is one of the most spine-chilling noises in the animal kingdom. But that’s not all there is to know about these stealthy cats. Let’s dive into the world of mountain lions, their habits, and of course, what that notorious mountain lion noise really sounds like. 

What Does a Mountain Lion Noise Sound Like? 

Mountain lions don’t roar like lions in Africa, but they do have a wide range of vocalizations. Here are some of the sounds you might hear if one’s nearby: 

• Screams – As mentioned, the most famous (or infamous) sound they make is a scream that’s often compared to a woman’s shriek. This is typically a mating call from a female mountain lion, trying to attract a mate. 

• Hisses and Growls – When a mountain lion feels threatened or is asserting dominance, it will hiss or growl. 

• Purring – Believe it or not, just like your house cat, mountain lions purr. They’ll purr when they’re content or bonding with their young. So, while you won’t be petting them anytime soon, it’s a little comforting to know these big cats can show some softer sides. 

• Chirps and Whistles – Yes, mountain lions chirp. They use these sounds to communicate with their cubs, but unless you’re David Attenborough, it’s unlikely you’ll hear this in the wild. 

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Fun Facts About Mountain Lions 

Now that we’ve covered the spine-tingling noises, let’s talk about what else makes mountain lions so fascinating (besides their scream that gives Wilhelm a run for his money). 

1. They Have Many Names – Mountain lions are known by many names, including cougar, puma, panther, and catamount. 
2. Excellent Jumpers – Mountain lions can leap up to 18 feet in the air and cover up to 40 feet in a single bound. Think of them as nature’s parkour experts. 
3. Lone Wolves (But Cats) – Unlike some big cats that enjoy a family dynamic, mountain lions are solitary creatures. They like to keep to themselves, wandering large territories — sometimes up to 150 square miles. 
4. Silent Stalkers – These cats are expert hunters, relying on stealth and patience. You probably won’t see them coming, and they can silently follow their prey for an hour or more before making their move. 
5. Mountain Lion Diet – Their main diet consists of deer, and they’ll also eat elk, moose, mountain goats and sheep; however, this doesn’t mean they will pass up smaller game like rabbits or even porcupines.  

Conclusion 

Hearing a mountain lion noise in the wild can be terrifying, like nature’s version of an unexpected jump scare. But remember, these elusive cats prefer to avoid humans and only attack when provoked or feeling threatened. So, while it’s important to be aware of the sounds and signs, just know that mountain lions are doing their best to keep to themselves. Just make sure to keep your hiking buddy close, especially if you hear that famous scream.