You might not know how many names the cougar has – and that includes comparing cougars and mountain lions! Rest assured, cougars and cougars are indeed the same animal, but why are they called so differently? That’s just the beginning of the cougar name, as there are many synonyms for this big cat.
In this article, we’ll cover the mountain lion and all the different subspecies of the mountain lion, including where they’re commonly found. We’ll also cover how to identify these big cats in the wild, and their preferred habitats. Let’s get started, learn more now!
Comparing Puma and Mountain Lion
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| Puma | mountain lion | |
|---|---|---|
| belongs to | Puma | Puma |
| size | 5-8 feet; up to 180 lbs | 5-8 feet; up to 180 lbs |
| appearance | Tan or yellow coat, round face and eyes.Pointy ears and extremely long tail | Tan or yellow coat, round face and eyes.Pointy ears and extremely long tail; coat may be longer in mountains |
| location and habitat | Worldwide, depending on subspecies | Worldwide, depending on subspecies |
| subspecies | Puma concolor anthonyi, Puma concolor cabrerae, Puma concolor, Puma concolor costaricensis, puma puma, Puma concolor puma | Same as the puma, but excluding the low-lying subspecies of the puma |
Key Differences Between Puma and Mountain Lion
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There is no difference between cougars and mountain lions. These are just two different names for the same animal. When it comes to pumas or mountain lions, there are many more names such as cougar, panther, painter and panther. However, the names lion and leopard refer to completely different big cats!
Now let’s talk about the cougar or mountain lion in detail.
Puma vs Mountain Lion: Family and Science Breakdown
Given that there is no difference between cougars and mountain lions, let’s take a moment to discuss their subspecies. There are several different subspecies of cougars, depending on where these big cats are located.Some of these subspecies include Puma concolor anthonyi, Puma concolor cabrerae, Puma concolor, Puma concolor costaricensis, Puma concolor puma, Puma concolor puma.
However, as of 2017, only two species of cougars are considered active.they include Puma mainly in South America, and puma concolor cougar Located in North and Central America. However, the physical differences and hunting styles of these cougars were not much different.
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Puma vs Mountain Lion: Appearance and size
Cougars and pumas have the same appearance and size. There are size differences between male and female cougars, with male cats generally getting larger. Depending on the sex, the cougar or mountain lion can reach lengths of 5-8 feet and weigh up to 180 pounds. This length also includes their extremely long tails.
Mountain lions are easily recognizable by their long tails and tan fur. These big cats have darker markings around the eyes, and the end of the tail is also black. Their fur is streamlined and smooth, but some mountain lions may have thicker fur to withstand cooler temperatures.
©Christina Moraes/Shutterstock.com
Cougar vs Mountain Lion: Behavior and Diet
The diets and behaviors of mountain lions and mountain lions often overlap, especially when you consider the two animals to be the same. Cougars and pumas eat rodents, rabbits, birds, deer and livestock in populated areas. They rarely attack humans, but they will if their food sources are threatened.
Cougars and mountain lions are known for their ability to stalk prey quietly. You might not even know if a cougar is following you, which is why it’s important to pay attention if you happen to be hiking in a cougar-infested area!
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Puma vs Mountain Lion: Preferred Habitats and Geographical Locations
The cougar, or mountain lion, is an extremely adaptable creature. They live in a wide variety of regions, habitats and geographic locations. These big cats are found all over the world, in all environments except Antarctica or other extremely cold regions. Let’s talk a little more about what they need to be comfortable in their habitat, and whether there are differences among mountain lions that vary by geography.
Cougars are found throughout the western United States, especially in small numbers in Florida. In addition to North America, you can also find mountain lions in jungles, forests, grasslands, and rocky mountains. They like to be relatively secretive and solitary, which is why you probably won’t see them in the wild unless it wants you to. These big cats prefer places where they feel protected, and they can even survive in warm and humid jungles.
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