The Mexicans know this cosmopolite as “leon.” In Brazil it is called “onca.” Perhaps the most distinguished name, and rating as the first in New World history, is “puma,” given it by the Incas. Early American settlers of the east coast called it “panther,” “painter,” and “catamount.” In the northwestern United States, it is known as “cougar” and in the Southwest, as mountain lion. Although there is but the one species _concolor_, there are a number of subspecies. About 15 are now recognized, most of them geographical races and not markedly different from the species. Four of these subspecies are found in the four States with which we are concerned. One of the most interesting is _hippolestes_ which inhabits the State of Colorado. Translated from the Greek this is “horse thief,” an appropriate epithet indeed for this ghostly marauder. As might be expected from their vast distribution, the several subspecies have a tremendous vertical range. In the Southwest they are found from near sea level in southwestern Arizona to the tops of the highest peaks in Colorado. In the more than four centuries that have elapsed since the white man first set foot on soil of the New World, a great mass of folklore concerning the mountain lion has accumulated. Half fact, half fiction, these tales have been repeated from one generation to another and few details have been lost in the telling; indeed, in most cases, several have been added. Most common are those which describe its fierceness and its attacks on man. In the main, these tales are lurid and convincing, but they do not stand up under scientific scrutiny. It is true that such attacks have occurred; one of the most recent and best verified was that on a 13-year old boy in Okanogan County, Washington, in 1924. It resulted in the death and partial devouring of the unfortunate youngster. Yet sensational as this incident was, it resulted in publicity far out of proportion to its importance. In fact, articles concerning this case are still appearing at intervals. The truth of the matter is that very few authentic cases of mountain lion attacks upon humans have ever occurred in the United States, and that most of these _could_ have been caused by the mountain lion’s being rabid. Certainly such attacks are not typical behavior of the normal animal. As far as man is concerned, the lion will take flight whenever possible, and even when cornered it is not nearly so pugnacious as its little cousin, the bobcat.