Cougars defend a relatively large territory; consider the following facts and estimate how much area a cougar would require: A cougar requires 490 kg annually and obtains most of its food from deer, which average 55 kg. In typical deer habitat the NPP is 35 kg per acre. One deer consumes approximately 1,150 kg of vegetation each year.

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A cougar requires 490 kg of deer annually, and each deer consumes 1,150 kg of vegetation. So, the cougar needs 490 kg / 55 kg * 1,150 kg = 10,175 kg of vegetation per year. The NPP is 35 kg per acre, so the cougar needs 10,175 kg / 35 kg/acre = 290.7 acres.

Cougars Defend a Relatively Large Territory; Consider the Following Facts