How much land does the eastern cougar need?

The eastern cougar, or eastern mountain lion, requires a substantial habitat to thrive, typically needing large territories ranging from 50 to 1,000 square miles, depending on factors like prey availability and human encroachment. These cats are solitary and territorial, so adequate land is crucial for hunting, breeding, and avoiding conflicts with humans. The preservation of connected habitats is essential for their survival, especially given their status as a potentially extinct subspecies.