Cougar vs Mountain Lion – What Are the Differences?

Key Points

• The cougar and mountain lion are generally one in the same animal but have slight variances based on geographic location and climate. They are also referred to as pumas, panthers, catamounts, and painters.
• In North and Central America, the species is more commonly referred to as mountain lion, while the label of cougar is more often used in South America.
• Cougars have a tawny coat with a lighter underbelly, with some variances in coloration dependent on climate. Mountain lions can have silvery fur that is slightly longer. The Florida panther and South American cougar have more reddish fur.

Cougars, pumas, and mountain lions, oh my! Depending on where you live or what you are watching, you may hear America’s big cat called by a number of different names.

Are there differences between cougars and mountain lions? Where do they live? Keep reading to find out.

Cougar vs. Mountain Lion

Mountain lion and cougar are actually two different names for the same animal. Cougars have a very large range spanning much of North and South America. Different groups of people called them by different names.

Comparing Cougars vs. Mountain Lions

The same descriptive features apply to this animal, whether you call it a mountain lion or a cougar. Here are some fast facts:

Scientific name – Puma concolor
Common names – Mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther, painter, catamount
Size – 2.8 to 5 ft (86 to 155 cm) in length, 75 to 158 lbs (34 to 72 kg)
Habitat – Mountains, forests, deserts, swamps
Range – North and South America
Lifespan – Up to 20 years
Body – Feline
Temperament – Stealthy, solitary

The term “mountain lion” is most often used for the North American subspecies (Puma concolor cougar), and “cougar” for the South American subspecies (Puma concolor concolor). Begin from the same species, the differences between these cats are slight, but include:

Key Differences Between Cougars and Mountain Lions

Cougars and mountain lions are the same species, Puma concolor. This big cat has the largest range of any land mammal (besides humans) in the Western Hemisphere, so it is not surprising that isolated populations developed into subspecies. These include:

The North American Cougar
Classified as Puma concolor cougar, this subspecies ranges from Canada to the southernmost reaches of the United States, through Mexico and Central America, and possibly into South America.

The Florida Panther
This subspecies was once found throughout the southern United States. Nearly hunted to extinction, around 50 individuals now live in southern Florida. Conservation efforts seek to help this population make a comeback. Florida panthers are generally smaller than their western cousins. Though distinct, it is still part of the Puma concolor cougar or North American cougar subspecies.

The South American Cougar
This subspecies is classified as Puma concolor concolor. It is known to reside in the South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.

Consider these differences in more detail.

Range

North American mountain lions range from Canada, across the American West, east to the Florida panhandle, and into Central America. Some populations are believed to reside in South America as well.

The South American cougar lives throughout South America, including Brazil and the Andes Mountains.

Overall Size

Adults of the Florida panther and South American cougar varieties may weigh only half of what adult North American mountain lions weigh.

Diet

Cougars and mountain lions are opportunistic predators. They’ll take whatever mammals and birds they can catch, but diets vary somewhat based on the prey available in each geographic region. Mountain lions eat lots of deer and mountain sheep. South American cougars hunt wild camelids including the llama, alpaca, vicuña, and guanaco, as well as the capybara, the world’s largest rodent.

Climate

The mountain lion generally lives in cooler mountainous regions, while the cougar inhabits tropical forests. Again, the exception to this is the Florida panther of the northern subspecies, which dwells in hot, humid, swampy habitats.

Coloration

All cougars have a tawny coat with a lighter underbelly. However, differences in coloration are seen depending on the climate. Mountain lions may have silvery, slightly longer fur, while cougars from warm areas – the Florida panther and the South American cougar – have a more reddish coloration.

Is It Normal For Cougars And Mountain Lions To Attack Humans?

Both cougars and mountain lions are considered the least aggressive wild cats toward humans. They are afraid of encounters with mankind and are more likely to run away or hide than to attack. In North America, only 126 attacks from a mountain lion have been recorded in the last 100 years, with 27 of those attacks being fatal. If one does happen to attack, it is likely due to loss of territory, lack of food, or the mountain lion viewing the human as prey.