Puma, which comes from its species name, Mountain Lion, because some live in the mountains of North and South America, and and Cougar for some reason unknown to me. The Cougar A cat of many names, the Puma is also known as the Cougar, Panther or Mountain Lion. In general the size and coloration of the cat varies greatly across its range, which stretches from the south west of Canada down the western states of North America and throughout most western parts of the South American continent. The mountain lion belongs to the genus Felis, and the subgenus Puma. Its characteristic tawny color lightens to a creamy white on its chest, belly and chin, and darkens to sepia highlights at the muzzle, the backs of the ears, and the tip of its distinctively long and heavy tail.
Cougars range from rocky mountains to scrubby deserts, wherever prey can be found.
There are more names in the dictionary for cougars than for any other animal in the world. Although half of California land is prime mountain lion country, this comes as a surprise to many residents and visitors. The Puma A cat of many names, the Puma is also known as the Cougar, Panther or Mountain Lion. In general the size and coloration of the cat varies greatly across its range, which stretches from the south west of Canada down the western states of North America and throughout most western parts of the South American continent. The mountain lion, also known as a cougar, panther or puma, is a tawny feline with black-tipped ears and tail.