Survival and Mortality of Cougars in the Trans-Pecos Region

Cougars in the Trans-Pecos region, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park, exhibit among the lowest survival rates in the United States, with seasonal variations influenced by hunting periods. A study analyzing data from 1982 to 1997 across multiple parks and a state park found that female cougars generally had higher annual survival rates than males. Pooled data revealed lower survival rates during hunting seasons (September–March) at Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Big Bend Ranch State Park, while Big Bend National Park showed no seasonal difference. Trapping was the leading cause of mortality, followed by shooting and unknown causes; intraspecific strife and natural causes were documented only in Big Bend. The findings underscore the need for careful consideration of survival rates in management plans, though caution is advised against broad regional extrapolation.

Young, J. H., Tewes, M. E., Haines, A. M., Guzman, G., & DeMaso, S. J. (2010). Survival and Mortality of Cougars in the Trans-Pecos Region. The Southwestern Naturalist, 55(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1894/md-10.1