Wolf vs Cougar: In the ancient war between cats and dogs, what happens when the brute picks on someone his own size?
Wolf
One of the most iconic of all animals, the wolf is the largest canine in the world and has been seen as a symbol of leadership, family, grace, and wisdom for thousands of years.
Wolves live in groups called packs, which can include anywhere from just a few to even 15 or more members and are renowned for their social intelligence and strategic hunting coordinations.
Although a wolf’s strength is usually found in numbers, it would be a mistake for any similarly sized opponent to underestimate the power of a lone wolf.
Cougar
Also known as the mountain lion, puma, catamount, Florida Panther, and other names, the cougar is a wildcat native to North America.
The cougar is the largest feline in its own habitat and, while it is not the biggest or strongest of the entire cat family, it is certainly one of its most impressive.
Like all cats, cougars are quick, strong, and very agile. Moreover, these powerful felines are extremely proficient hunters, able to take down prey as much as seven times their size.
Analysis: Wolf vs Cougar
Since cougars are usually larger than wolves, the most fitting representative, for a fair competition, for the wolf family is the biggest – the Gray Wolf.
| Stats | Gray Wolf | Cougar |
| Weight | 175 lbs (80 kg) | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Length (Tail Included) | 6.5 ft (2m) | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Height | 2.8 ft (85 cm) | 3 ft (90 cm) |
| Bite Force | 400 PSI | 400 PSI |
As far as size is concerned, these animals are more or less matched, with the cougar having a slightly greater advantage.
The wolves do have better stamina than mountain lions, but unfortunately for them, this is just about their only advantage.
Pound for pound, felines are much stronger than canines and this case is no exception.
Cougars are also much faster, more agile and are much more lethal killers than wolves, who usually rely on their pack to confuse and tire their adversary.
Furthermore, wolves fight solely with their jaws, whereas cougars utilize their sharp claws and powerful swipes in addition to their bite.
Conclusion
Wolves’ power and prowess in hunting and fighting are mostly due to their numbers and social intelligence. So, if it wasn’t obvious before, a lone wolf will have a lot of trouble coming out on top in this fight.
Although wolves may have better stamina, such a fight will likely not last long enough for that to make any difference.
Pumas, mountain lions, cougars, or whatever you choose to call them, are overall the superior combatant in nearly every aspect.