What is the Difference Between Mountain Lion and Puma?

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The terms "mountain lion" and "puma" refer to the same animal, which is scientifically known as Puma concolor. There is no difference between a mountain lion and a puma; they are simply two different names for the same species. Other names for this animal include cougar, catamount, painter, and panther. The reason for the various names is that people from different countries and regions have different names for the animal. The mountain lion is a large feline native to the Americas, with a wide range of habitats, including mountains, forests, and deserts.

Comparative Table: Mountain Lion vs Puma

There is no difference between a mountain lion and a puma, as they are simply two different names for the same animal. Both names refer to the scientific classification Puma concolor, which includes several subspecies of big cats. The various names for the puma or mountain lion can be attributed to people from different countries having their own names for the animal. Here is a table summarizing the information:

Feature Mountain Lion Puma
Scientific Name Puma concolor Puma concolor
Family Felidae Felidae
Subspecies Several, e.g., Puma concolor anthonyi, Puma concolor cabrerae, etc. Several, e.g., Puma concolor anthonyi, Puma concolor cabrerae, etc.
Common Names Cougar, Catamount, Painter, Panther Cougar, Catamount, Painter, Panther

Despite their widespread names, these are not really key differences between the two, as both mountain lions and pumas share the same scientific classification and characteristics.