Where to find cougars in Red Dead Online

Among the various creatures you might come across in Red Dead Online, cougars stand out as particularly hazardous. Their pelts fetch a high price, and capturing one is crucial for the Naturalist mission. Once you’ve learned where to spot cougars, the only challenges left are time and the right equipment.

All cougar spawn locations in Red Dead Online

As a gamer, you’d have the most success tracking down cougars in the sun-scorched southwestern regions of New Austin and West Elizabeth, as they tend to thrive in desert landscapes. Additionally, you might spot them wandering the damp grounds north of Annesburg. There’s a slim possibility you may come across cougars in the Heartlands, but don’t count on it entirely.

As a gamer, I’ve discovered that cougars are theoretically active at any hour, but my most successful hunts have been between midnight and 6:00 AM. I rely heavily on my Eagle Eye to sniff out their scent trails, and I scan the horizon meticulously while keeping my sights trained, hoping to spot these elusive creatures hiding in the bushes.

If you’re still intent on finding these apex predators, head to any of the following areas.

Northwestern Cholla Springs desert

In the Cholla Springs desert, it’s relatively simple to spot cougars. If you look at the map with ‘Cholla’ as your reference point and explore the area filled with cacti, you’ll find that cougars are often found on the hills, especially those located near the edge of the map.

Western Rio Bravo desert

In addition to other locations, you might spot cougars in the expansive, sun-drenched plains southwest of Rio Bravo, just beyond Benedict Point. While their visibility is somewhat improved due to the open terrain, beware not to underestimate them as they can still pose a threat.

Southern Tall Trees at the border between West Elizabeth and New Austin

Venture over to the far-western stretch of the Lower Montana River, where it divides West Elizabeth from New Austin. That’s where I’ve often spotted cougars, lurking just south of the river, near the map’s edge, or up north in the vicinity of those four small structures scattered around.

The coastal fields south of Blackwater

Make your way towards Blackwater, then head south until you reach Flat Iron Lake’s shoreline. Cougars are typically spotted a bit further south from the two houses, but don’t forget to explore the beach areas too.

Tall Trees northeast of Aurora Basin

Just beyond the northwestern tip of Tall Trees, where the map’s border takes an elongated form, there lies a secluded area. While exploring this space, I came across a cougar meandering through the vegetation and rocks.

Or, more concisely:

In the northwest corner of Tall Trees, near the edge with its stretched shape on the map, is a hidden spot where I encountered a cougar roaming among bushes and rocks.

Inside the curve of the river northwest of Annesburg

Currently, we’ve moved to the upper northeastern region on the map, where you’ll spot a significant curve in the Kamassa River near Annesburg, to its northwest. Occasionally, cougars can be seen lurking around the forested areas close to the riverbank.

At the mouth of the river northeast of Brandywine Drop

Near Brandywine Drop, you’ll find cougars roaming across the banks of the river. Due to its hilly terrain, taking a shot can sometimes be challenging.

Along the easternmost train tracks leading north from Annesburg

On the northern side of Annesburg, specifically close to the western edge of the map and near the bridge by the coastal area up north, it’s quite common to encounter a few cougars.

Finding a cougar in Red Dead Online might require anywhere from ten to twenty minutes, but when you finally spot one, brace yourself for one of the most challenging encounters in the game. Aim for a headshot with your rifle to preserve the pelt’s quality and maintain some elevation so they have to exert effort climbing up to you.

If you’re eager for additional information about Red Dead Online and the single-player mode, be sure to visit our dedicated Red Dead Redemption 2 page.

2025-07-09 03:58