Can YOU spot the deadly predator in this photo… before it’s too late

Lurking witihin this image is a mountain lion hunting, quielty observing its prey – but can you spot the deadly predator? 

Mountain lions are famed for their ability to blend into the mountainside as they stalk their unsuspecting prey, which is a feat in itself given their sheer maximum size of 200 pounds. 

Whether they are called mountain lions, cougars or pumas, these animals can live in a variety of habitats from rain forests, to deserts, to snowy mountains, meaning they need the ability to keep quiet and blend in.

Despite being able to reach top speeds of 50mph, mountain lions can also be slow, careful and light footed.  

One such animal has left Facebook users stumped after the US Fish and Wildlife Service (UFWS) shared a picture of a mountain lion laying in wait for its prey in Washoie County, Nevada. 

The image, which shows some rocks and wild fauna, is said to have a mountain lion nestled in it while it waits for its prey to show up. This can include deer, mice, rabbits and other small animals. 

Posting the snap, the UFWS said: ‘Where’s Waldo: Mountain lion in Washoe County, Nevada edition. Can you spy the big cat?’ 

Hundreds of people have now taken up the challenge to spot the animal, with some succeeding and others being left dumbfounded. 

‘It’s just a photo of rocks, isn’t it?’ one wrote, while another simply asked: ‘What am I looking at?’ 

And one person, desperate to find out the answer, begged others to tell them, writing: ‘Can someone message me and tell me where this lion is, I’ve been staring at my screen far too long.’ 

It wasn’t long before one user put everyone out of their misery and pointed out where the big cat was hiding in the picture. 

Finally, the lion was spotted (spoiler alert!) nestled in between boulders and grass on the left side of the image, looking directly at the camera. 

Whether they are called mountain lions, cougars or pumas, these animals can live in a variety of habitats from rain forests, to deserts, to snowy mountains

Finally, the lion was spotted (spoiler alert!) nestled in between boulders and grass on the left side of the image, looking directly at the camera

It’s well hidden in the shadows as its fur blends into the rocky terrain. 

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), mountain lions tend to prefer rocky or rugged areas to maintain safe cover.  

‘People rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a mountain lion in the wild,’ the organisation said.