What is mutualism in a cougar?

Mutualism in a cougar refers to beneficial interactions between cougars and other species that enhance their survival or reproductive success. For example, cougars can help maintain healthy prey populations by controlling their numbers, which in turn supports the overall ecosystem balance. Additionally, their presence can indirectly benefit scavengers by providing carcasses when they hunt. This reciprocal relationship highlights the interconnectedness of species in an ecosystem.