Mintage: 200
Composition: 99.95% platinum

The Cougar : Silent Giant of the Americas

Across the wilds of western North and south America stalks one of the world's largest cats : the cougar. Often, the only evidence of this silent hunter's presence is a claw mark on a tree, a paw print in the mud or a rail track in the snow.

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Averaging 64 kg (140 lbs) in weight and up to 3 m (from 5 to 9 feet) in length, the cougar is noted for its lithe musculature, long hind legs, anda tail that, at almost a metre long, acts as an important counterbalance for the noted jumper.

Unlike its competition-wolves and bears-the cougar relies less on its nose and more on its large, hauntingeyes as it tracks prey in both daylight and the dark hours of the night. Its unfortunate victim is unlikely to realize its peril until too late : few animals can match the cougar's knack for camouflage or its ability to pounce 6-12 metres (up to 39 feet) in one bound.

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Today, there is evidence that the cougar is returning to parts of its former eastern range and that its western populations are growing. Sightings remain rare as this secretive hunter passes through the landscape like a ghost, leaving behind only a few prints and a lingering aura of mystery and awe.

THE COUGAR - 2011 CANADIANS COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 25- GOLD, PLATINE & PALLADIUM COINS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.