Big Cat Dens
Big cats have dens or lairs where they sleep and have cubs. Their dens may be deep in woods and forests, on heathland behind or under dense thickets or even under ferns or they may be in deep inaccessible valleys or ravines or high up in rocky areas. They will often have feeding areas close by or they may take their prey into their dens to eat in complete secrecy. They will make their den where they feel safe and hidden, far away from prying eyes. It would not, generally speaking, be a good idea to go into a big cat den or lair to investigate it! The consequences for a person doing that could be fatal and we should respect these majestic creatures, after all, would you want someone to come uninvited into YOUR home?
As well as having main dens, big cats have lay-up spots in various places, so they can rest when travelling in their ranges. We must remember that leopards and pumas are some of the most stealthy and secretive animals on earth and at their most secretive when it comes to making their homes! Let's let them live out their lives in peace in their secret domains.
As well as having main dens, big cats have lay-up spots in various places, so they can rest when travelling in their ranges. We must remember that leopards and pumas are some of the most stealthy and secretive animals on earth and at their most secretive when it comes to making their homes! Let's let them live out their lives in peace in their secret domains.
Jonathan McGowan peers into an empty big cat den or lay-up spot in Dorset. It showed signs of being slept in and contained quite a few big cat hairs and other signs of being used by a big cat. Photo Copyright Jonathan McGowan.
Big cat den which was used by a black leopard in South Devon. Photo copyright Alex Bowler 2024.
