What is the average lifespan of a puma in the wild?

The average lifespan of a puma in the wild is 8–13 years.

Pumas, also called cougars, mountain lions, and panthers in different regions, occupy an enormous range across the Americas. Their survival depends on prey availability, habitat, disease, conflict with people, and whether they are exposed to hunting or roads. The published range describes wild longevity rather than the maximum age any individual might reach.

The lower end of the estimate reflects the hazards faced by young and adult animals, while unusually old pumas can exceed the typical range. Captive pumas generally live longer because they receive regular food and veterinary care, so captive-lifespan figures should not be substituted for the wild estimate.

A common mix-up is confusing the puma with the similarly named Puma sportswear company. Biologically, the puma is Puma concolor, a large cat whose range extends from Canada to the southern Andes. Females usually mature earlier than males, and the species is primarily solitary except during mating or when mothers are raising cubs.