"I love cougars."

Traditionally, cougars are among the endangered species of wild cats.

The Big Country has four in captivity at the Abilene Zoo.

But I learned that outside of the zoo walls, there are some other cougars on the prowl.

"I'm 40. He's 25."

"I saw him in line, and i liked what i saw."

"She dates younger guys in my age range."

What started as a trend in Hollywood, has turned into a lifestyle for these women in the Big Country.

"People my own age are not as fun."

This cougar named Beth Saddlemire, says she didn't always hunt for the cubs.

And for Lola Sturgis, she says the young cats have always been her type.

"When I was 38, I was dating an 18-year-old."

Lola is 63-years-old and married to Dee Sturgis, who is 16 years younger than her.

"All the young guys have been attracted to me and not to them, so i never dated an older man."

These cats believe that age is nothing but a number, but not everybody feels the same.

"People should go with people their own age."

And for a man that landed himself a cougar, he said it just happened.

"I'm sure it's something way back. That i had a relationship with a mom or something."

Despite some negative reactions, the cougars say dating younger allows them to hold onto their youth.

"He keeps me looking young and he makes me feel young."

"He's sexy and he can keep up."

One Big Country cougar says it may even be genetic.

So while it may not be your typical type of relationships, those involved say it's helping to break stereotypes.

"In good humor and all that. It's time that women get their equal right with the younger guys and that guys have been getting away with for all through the centuries."

And for some cougars, "cougars rule."

They wouldn't have their love life any other way.