 A successful <unk> predator , the cougar will eat any animal it can catch , from insects to large ungulates ( over 500 kg ) . Like all cats , it is an <unk> <unk> , meaning it needs to feed exclusively on meat to survive . The mean weight of <unk> prey ( <unk> ) that pumas attack increases with the puma 's body weight ; in general , <unk> is lower in areas closer to the equator . Its most important prey species are various deer species , particularly in North America ; mule deer , white @-@ tailed deer , elk and even bull moose are taken . Other species such as the <unk> and <unk> 's sheep , horse , fallow deer , <unk> , mountain goat , coyote , <unk> , and domestic livestock such as cattle and sheep are also primary food bases in many areas . A survey of North America research found 68 % of prey items were ungulates , especially deer . Only the Florida panther showed variation , often preferring feral <unk> and <unk> . 
