Mountain Lion

The Aztecs called them mitzli. The Apache called them yutin. Others call them cougars, Florida panthers, or puma. Call them what you will, North America's largest cats are celebrated in this beautiful book, simply entitled Mountain Lion. Rebecca L. Grambo has written a highly readable guide to these felines, with information on their habits, their habitats, and their interactions with humans. What make this book special, however, are the pages of stunning photographs. Nature photographer Daniel J. Cox spent more than 10 years observing mountain lions and snapped these remarkable images of the animals in their native habitats. The fact that most of the pictures are of "captive-bred mountain lions under controlled conditions" (sort of a feline fashion shoot?) doesn't detract from their beauty. Cox presents amazing photos of newborn cubs taking their first breaths and older cubs, fluffy and spotted, at play. Even more impressive are the gorgeous, clear shots of mature cats roaming their territory, hunting prey, and simply resting. Cox has certainly managed to capture what he calls the "elegant fluidity" of these magnificent animals. Any nature lover would be thrilled with this beautiful and informative book. --C.B. Delaney