If you're searching for a way to boost your problem-solving skills, then this devilishly difficult brainteaser might be just what you're after. Maintaining your brain's fitness and health is every bit as crucial as regularly working out the rest of your body - and it's much easier to accomplish than hauling yourself to the gym for a session.
The Challenge
The best method to exercise your brain is by tackling puzzles that push you to think in new ways. Making this a regular habit can boost cognitive function, elevate your mood, strengthen your problem-solving abilities, and even help activate brain regions that might be impacted by conditions like dementia. So if you're after a mental challenge today, why not tackle this demanding brainteaser?
All you have to do is locate the cougar hidden among the long grass, sound easy right? Well here's the catch – you have only 10 seconds to spot it.
Take a careful look at the image below. You'll see a grassy landscape scattered with trees, rocks, and what looks like a large hill in the distance. You might also notice the creature taking up a considerable chunk of the foreground - but we can reveal right now that it's not the cougar you're hunting for!
The Reddit Origin
The user who first shared the image on Reddit confessed they initially believed the animal at the front was the cougar, and had posted it as a joke. But after realising the genuine cougar was "actually pretty well hidden", they shared it again as a proper challenge. They wrote: "Posted this as a joke before realising that's not a cougar and the actual one is actually pretty well hidden."
If you failed to spot the cougar within the 10-second time limit, don't worry. You might not be able to claim you're a genius or brag that you possess the "eyes of a sniper", but it's still worthwhile continuing until you locate it, regardless of how long it takes.
Why Keep Trying
Solving the puzzle – whether it's easy or hard for you – will still provide your brain with a decent workout, and the more you practice, the faster you'll become. And let's not overlook the surge of dopamine you'll experience when you finally crack it!
Spotted it yet? If not, we're about to disclose the answer below, so stop scrolling now.
The Answer
The cougar is remarkably well camouflaged, but it can be found on the right-hand side of the image. Concentrate on where the creature in the foreground is situated, and you should notice a large boulder just behind its hindquarters.
Once you've identified that, look slightly beyond it to discover the small face of the cougar staring directly back at you. The pale markings around its mouth, eyes and ears are much easier to distinguish than the remainder of the animal.
As many commenters highlighted, the cougar appears to have its attention firmly locked on the creature in the foreground – possibly evaluating it for its next meal. One individual commented: "Cougar is locked in on some dinner." Another chimed in: "Every time I see the cougar in one of these I say 'Oh no' out loud. They're so scary."
Looking for more optical illusions? Previously, a personality test shows if you're 'positive' or 'distant' based on what you see first. On another occasion, what you spot first in wold illusion reveals your hidden personality traits.
