Cougar (RDR 2)

Cougars are a species of animal found in Red Dead Redemption 2.

What are some common locations to find cougars in RDR 2? toggle section

In RDR 2, cougars are found in New Austin, New Hanover, and West Elizabeth. Notable cougar locations include the hills north of MacFarlane's Ranch, Stillwater Creek, and near Plainview. In Rio Bravo, they appear around Fort Mercer and Plainview, and are common around Repentance Rock at night. The area north of Fort Mercer is a frequent cougar spawn point.

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What characteristics make cougars difficult to spot in Red Dead Redemption 2? toggle section

Cougars in Red Dead Redemption 2 are challenging to spot due to their eyeshine that only appears at night, and their potential leucistic (white-skinned) appearance. Their presence in uneven terrains like Rattlesnake Hollow further complicates their detection.

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How does the cougar's behavior differ from other big cats in RDR 2? toggle section

Cougars in Red Dead Redemption 2 exhibit unique behavior compared to other big cats. They employ a 'hit and run' strategy, attacking the player and then swiftly preparing for the next strike from a safe distance. They are aggressive and silent outside of attacks. Uniquely, Cougars can be leucistic, appearing white-skinned but not albino, in the wild. Their habitats include New Austin, New Hanover, and West Elizabeth.

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What sounds do cougars make in Red Dead Redemption 2? toggle section

Cougars in Red Dead Redemption 2 share sound files with bobcats. The same sounds were later used for cougars in Grand Theft Auto V.

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What are the best strategies to hunt cougars in RDR 2? toggle section

In RDR 2, hunting cougars can be achieved by using a Poison Throwing Knife or Poison Arrow aimed at the cougar's torso. This immobilizes the cougar, allowing for an easy kill with a knife. The game also presents a Master Hunter Challenge, requiring five cougars to be killed and skinned using a bow. Alternatively, using a horse as a shield or performing a roll can be effective, particularly if the cougar is charging. Positioning oneself on a stagecoach, roof, or large rock can also provide a safe vantage point for hunting cougars.

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Description[]

The cougar, which is also commonly referred to as a puma or mountain lion, is the second largest cat in North America. Unlike the actual big cats, however, the cougar cannot roar. Instead, the large feline purrs like a domestic cat. They have slender bodies and are difficult to spot due to their low stance and tan color that acts as camouflage, and the fact that they are silent when running or stalking.

These solitary predators have no natural enemies and sit atop the food chain. However, they occasionally compete with other predators such as bears and wolves for food. Skinning the cougar after killing it will net the player Big Game Meat and Cougar Fangs.

Compendium[]

Cougars are native to the states of New Austin, West Elizabeth and remote forested sections of New Hanover. As carnivores, they prey on deer, elk, moose, and mountain goats. The easiest way to take down a cougar of this size is by either using a Bow with Poison Arrows or a rifle. Their fangs can be used for crafting and their meat can be used as food.^[1]

Locations[]

Cougars can be found primarily in southwestern New Austin, though a notable population seems to exist within Big Valley and north of Roanoke Ridge.

Big Valley
- area around Black Bone Forest until the road northwest of Owanjila
- the lavender fields north of Vetter's Echo
Cholla Springs (northwest-central)
Gaptooth Ridge
- south of Rathskeller Fork
- west of Tumbleweed
Rio Bravo
- between Benedict Point and Plainview
Roanoke Ridge
- Beaver Hollow
- Roanoke Valley
- atop both sides of the Brandywine Drop and the forestry upriver
- area around Manito Glade
- far-east of Black Balsam Rise
- either side of the pond below the Kamassa River Falls near the state border
- on the coast between Annesburg and Van Horn Trading Post
The Heartlands (random encounters only)
Tall Trees
- Cochinay
Great Plains
- South of Beecher's Hope
- Broken Tree (random encounter only)

Tips and Tricks[]

Due to its speed and ability to kill players very quickly, it is recommended to always keep weapons drawn and the Dead Eye bar filled when hunting cougars.
Use a Rifle or Bow and Poison Arrows to get a Perfect Cougar Pelt.
- Additionally, Poison Arrows can be used to keep a cougar alive for long enough to study it before going for a clean kill.
Perfect Cougar Pelts can be sold to a trapper in order to craft the Cougar Cutaway Coat, Rustic Vest, and Cougar McClelland Saddle.
The Cougar Fang Trinket can be crafted at a Fence Shop with the Legendary Cougar Fang dropped by the Legendary Cougar.
Raising a weapon skyward and firing when a cougar is audible/nearby can lead to it revealing itself on the minimap and charging towards the player's location, allowing them to discern its location before being ambushed.
Cougars seem to be afraid to enter water: staying in the middle of it can give time to target them accurately.
If players need to study cougars, they can hit cougars in the back of their torso with a Poison Throwing Knife or a Poison Arrow. This way they can stop their attacks and break down on the ground. Once on the ground the player can study them easily and finish them off with their knife.

Challenges[]

The 6th Master Hunter Challenge requires the player to kill five cougars with a Bow and skin them. For more information on how to achieve this, see the relevant entry in the Master Hunter Challenges page for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Trivia[]

Like with the Cat, Coyote, Fox and Wolf, Cougars' tapetum lucidum (eyeshine) shows at night - a feature that wasn't in the original Red Dead Redemption.
Unlike the first game, Cougars can be leucistic (white-skinned but not albino) when encountered in the wild - not only rarely but also the only non-legendary animal to be this way.
The side-mission "He's British, of Course" features a cougar painted to resemble a tiger.