Mountain Lion Mounts: The Myth, The Reality, And The Ethical Debate

The idea of a mountain lion mount—riding a powerful and elusive predator—has captured the imagination of many. Whether inspired by fantasy literature, folklore, or the desire to dominate nature, the concept sparks curiosity and controversy. But is it even possible? And if so, is it ethical?

The Myth Of Riding A Mountain Lion

Stories of people riding big cats appear in mythology and fiction. Ancient legends from various cultures depict warriors or deities atop fearsome felines, signifying power and dominance. In modern media, films, books, and video games often depict large, rideable cats. These depictions, while entertaining, rarely consider the physical and biological limitations of these animals.

The Reality: Can A Mountain Lion Be A Mount?

Scientifically and practically speaking, mountain lion mounts are not suitable as mounts for several reasons:

Size and Strength Limitations – The average mountain lion weighs between 64 and 220 pounds. While they are strong predators capable of taking down large prey, their skeletal structure and muscle composition are not built to support a rider’s weight. Unlike horses or other traditional riding animals, their backs lack the necessary strength to carry humans without injury.

Temperament and Behavior – Mountain lions are solitary and highly territorial. Unlike domesticated horses or even certain working animals like elephants or camels, they have never been selectively bred for tameness or cooperation with humans. Even if raised in captivity, their instinctual behaviors remain intact, making them unpredictable and dangerous as mounts.

Lack of Domestication – No historical evidence suggests that mountain lions have ever been domesticated or trained for riding. Unlike big cats like cheetahs, which were sometimes kept by royalty as hunting companions, mountain lions remain wild and untamed.

The Ethical Considerations

Even if a way to ride a mountain lion existed, ethical concerns would arise:

Animal Welfare – Attempting to domesticate or train a mountain lion for riding would likely cause immense stress and suffering. These animals are not built for human interaction in this way, and forcing them into such roles would be inhumane.

Conservation Issues – Mountain lions play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Any attempt to commercialize or exploit them for riding would disrupt conservation efforts and could lead to harmful consequences for wild populations.

Public Safety – A trained mountain lion is still a wild animal with natural predatory instincts. If people attempted to keep and ride them, it could lead to dangerous situations for both humans and the animals themselves.

Wrapping It Up

While the idea of riding a mountain lion is fascinating, it remains firmly in the realm of myth and fantasy. Scientifically and ethically, these animals are not suited for such purposes. Instead of fantasizing about using them as mounts, we should focus on appreciating mountain lions for the majestic wild creatures they are, protecting their habitats, and respecting their role in nature. The true power of the mountain lion lies not in its ability to be tamed, but in its rightful place as a wild and free predator