Both the Bald Eagle and the Mountain Lion are among the most powerful predators in North America’s wildlife. But what would happen if these two species confronted each other?
It is easy to distinguish the Mountain Lion from other wild cats such as bobcats or domestic cats because they are much larger and have tails that make up about one-third of their total body length. Mountain Lions also have muscular, sleek bodies. Their strong legs are built for speed, and their paws are equipped for climbing and hunting.
The Bald Eagle is a bird known for its highly developed brain; they are intelligent creatures. This species can think strategically and solve problems. But are they strong enough to chase after an adult Mountain Lion?
Bald Eagle.
Overview of the Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is also known as the American Eagle, although they are not actually bald. Their name comes from the white feathers on their head and neck. These majestic birds of prey have a wingspan of up to 6 feet (about 2 meters), making them one of the largest birds on our planet.
Along with their large and beautiful appearance, Bald Eagles also possess exceptional vision. They can see objects from four times farther away than we can. They can also rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, providing them with superior binocular and monocular vision compared to humans.
Where are you most likely to see Bald Eagles flying? Coastal areas, rivers, and large lakes are some places they often frequent. These birds of prey prefer locations where fish are easily accessible. After all, fish are their primary food source. Bald Eagles are diurnal hunters that use their powerful talents to catch fish swimming near the water’s surface.
Bald Eagles also have exceptional vision.
Overview of the Mountain Lion
When you think of a Mountain Lion, how large do you imagine it to be? If you think of a domestic cat, you are mistaken. Mountain Lions are larger than typical house cats. On average, a house cat weighs between 3-5 kg, while an adult male Mountain Lion can measure over 2.5 meters in length and weigh between 60 to 70 kg, and the females can grow up to 2.1 meters long and usually weigh between 40 to 48 kg.
Mountain Lions typically prey on animals such as snakes, beavers, rabbits, North American raccoons, hedgehogs, and even bighorn sheep. These active hunters prefer meat and can take down large prey like moose or deer. They kill their prey with a single bite to the neck, sometimes penetrating the skull.
Mountain Lions often eat animals such as snakes, beavers, rabbits, North American raccoons…
Can a Bald Eagle lift an adult Mountain Lion while flying?
While it may be entertaining to imagine a Bald Eagle soaring away with an angry Mountain Lion clutched beneath its talons, that is highly unlikely. Mountain Lions are simply too large. Bald Eagles can typically carry animals weighing around 4 kg, and that is under ideal conditions.
Ideal conditions include soaring while flying and having ample open space to glide. On average, Bald Eagles usually carry prey weighing around 1 kg, which is much more common. Carrying heavier loads requires special conditions, dynamics, and needs.
The overall lift depends on the wingspan and flight speed of the bird.
Although they are powerful birds, Bald Eagles also have their limits. The overall lift depends on the wingspan and flight speed of the bird. These raptors can quickly adapt to new situations and develop creative solutions to catch prey.
Using their skilled agility, control, and precise flying ability, they can carry about one-third of their body weight. Since a typical Bald Eagle weighs between 10 to 12 pounds, they can generally carry about 3 to 4 pounds without any issues. These aerial experts can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour. The better the flying speed, the more weight the eagle can carry.
An adult eagle will focus on capturing animals that they can easily bring back to their nest.
Stories of eagles swooping down to catch large animals often involve young eagles. Sometimes immature eagles dive at inappropriate objects and attempt to grasp them but fail. When they are young, eagles determine their carrying capacity by practicing their hunting skills. They use trial and error to test their lifting limits. Meanwhile, mature eagles will focus on capturing animals that they can easily carry back to their nests.
Therefore, if a Bald Eagle attacks a Mountain Lion, it is most likely an immature Bald Eagle. Lacking skills and experience, these predatory birds might attempt to pick up things that are too heavy. The moment a young eagle swoops down to pick up a Mountain Lion, it will start to realize its mistake.
Can a Bald Eagle defeat a Mountain Lion?
Bald Eagles strike their prey with a force equivalent to double that of a rifle bullet. This power comes from their lightning-fast speed. These birds of prey use “bomb” dives to hunt and claim territory.
Bald Eagles cannot kill a Mountain Lion.
But is the Bald Eagle strong enough to win this battle? It is possible for this bird of prey to seriously injure a Mountain Lion. However, it would not be an easy feat. Bald Eagles can kill adult deer and fawns, but not a Mountain Lion.
After the aerial attack from the eagle, the Mountain Lion could retaliate with full force. Using its weight and speed, the Mountain Lion can find opportunities to bring the eagle down to the ground. When the battle takes place on the ground, the Mountain Lion will prevail with its sharp claws and agile body…
