There is a lot of confusion between pumas and cougars. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two animals. In this blog post, we will take a look at what sets these two predators apart. We will also explore the habitat and behavior of each species. So, let’s get started!
Who is Puma?
Pumas are one of the most popular animals in the world. Pumas are also called cougars, mountain lions, and panthers. Pumas are the fourth largest cat in the world. Pumas live in North and South America. Pumas are solitary animals that live in forests, grasslands, and deserts. Pumas are very good swimmers and climbers. Pumas can leap up to 16 feet in the air. Pumas can run up to 50 miles per hour. Pumas are very dangerous animals. Pumas have killed humans. Pumas are protected in some areas but they are still hunted by humans.
Who is Cougar?
Cougars are also known as pumas, mountain lions, or catamounts. They are large felines that can be found throughout North and South America. Cougars are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. Adult cougars typically weigh between 115 and 220 pounds, with males tending to be larger than females. Cougars can live up to 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity. These animals are solitary creatures and typically only come together to mate.
Cougars are proficient hunters and use their powerful hind legs to take down their prey. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and sheep make up the majority of their diet, but they will also eat smaller prey such as rodents or rabbits. Cougars are an important part of the ecosystem and help to keep populations of other animals in check. humans are not typically on the menu for cougars, but there have been a few documented cases of attacks. Thankfully, these incidents are rare and most cougars will steer clear of humans unless they feel threatened.
Difference between Pumas and Cougars
Pumas and Cougars are both members of the Felidae family, which includes all species of cat. The main difference between Pumas and Cougars is their size; Pumas are larger than Cougars. Pumas are also more evenly colored, while Cougars tend to have darker patches on their fur. Pumas live in North and South America, while Cougars are found in North America, South America, and parts of Asia.
Pumas are also known as ‘mountain lions’ or ‘panthers’, while Cougars are sometimes called ‘painters’. Pumas typically live in forested areas, while Cougars can be found in both forested and non-forested habitats. Pumas hunt during the day, while Cougars are mainly nocturnal hunters. The diet of a Puma consists mainly of deer, while the diet of a Cougar includes deer, rodents, and birds.
Conclusion
The cougar is a North American mammal of the family Felidae, subfamily Felinae. The puma is also a North American mammal of the family Felidae and is known by many names, including mountain lion, catamount, panther, and painter. Though they may have similar appearances, there are several key differences between pumas and cougars that you should know before identifying one in the wild.
