In 1998 Cheyenne and her brother Laramie were found orphaned and close to starvation by Wyoming Fish and Game officials. It was learned that the mother of the two cubs had been killed by a hunter. Cheyenne and Laramie were just 6 months old at the time.

Waystation Founder Martine Colette met the Wyoming officials in Utah to pick-up both cubs and bring them back to the safety of the Waystation for permanent care.

Now, Cheyenne and Laramie are both healthy and fully grown. Cheyenne’s favorite enrichment toys are boomer balls and coconuts, which she playfully bats around her enclosure in her own version of soccer.

Cheyenne the Mountain Lion

The Mountain Lion, or Puma concolor, is the largest of the small cats, and the second fastest land animal in North America. Its range extends from Southwestern Canada to Central and South America. Primary habitats are mountains, forests, swamps and grasslands. Once prevalent throughout the U.S., many subspecies are now endangered or on the verge of extinction.

Life expectancy is from 8 to 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Natural prey include deer, antelope, rodents, hares, wild pigs, and on rare occasion, hoof stock. The Mountain Lion is considered a solitary animal and maintains a defined territory. Mating occurs seasonally, and litters of 2 to 4 young are born after a gestation of 92 to 96 days.

A variety of nicknames are given to the Mountain Lion, including Cougar, Catamount, Puma, Panther, Purple Feather, King Cat, and Screecher. With human encroachment increasing in Mountain Lion habitat, it is important to co-exist with, and protect, this vital species. Precautions to take in Mountain Lion country: Always be aware of your surroundings, carry a walking stick, never hike alone, and, if you encounter one, never approach it or run away.