Cats

The Siberian tiger is one of the most endangered animals on Earth. Loss and fragmentation of habitat, as well as poaching for body parts used in Traditional Chinese Medicine are the two main reasons for the disappearance of this elegant feline. Only 450 Siberian tigers are believed to remain in the wild. The largest of all the cats, large males may reach 700 pounds. With a range spanning two continents, many cultures and languages, and a variety of habitats, it is no wonder that the puma is referred to by a multitude of different names. Puma (its Peruvian name) is the preferred name since it cannot be confused with other cat species. Also, the name puma does not limit the cat to one type of habitat as the name mountain lion does. Some of the more common names used for this widely distributed species include panther, painter, catamount (for cat of the mountain), cougar, Mexican lion, American lion, and deer tiger.   This small adaptable feline is found from Southern Canada throughout the United States including Southwest Kansas, and south into Central Mexico. Like most other cats, bobcats are solitary except for females with kittens.