What is the Difference Between Mountain Lion and Panther?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The terms "mountain lion" and "panther" are often used interchangeably, but they generally refer to different species. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Size: Panthers are typically larger than mountain lions, with more musculature and weight. However, their maximum lengths and heights may be similar.
- Species: Panthers are not a specific species but rather a term used to describe big cats with solid-colored coats. This can include leopards, jaguars, and sometimes even mountain lions, such as the Florida panther and Carolina panther. Mountain lions, on the other hand, refer to a single species called Puma concolor.
- Habitat: Mountain lions are known for living in mountainous environments, while panthers can inhabit various types of habitats, including rainforests.
- Color: Panthers are characterized by their solid-colored coats, which can be black or other colors. In contrast, mountain lions have a tan or tawny-beige fur color.
In summary, the main differences between a mountain lion and a panther are their size, species, habitat, and coat color. While panthers can refer to several big cat species, mountain lions are a single species with specific habitat preferences and appearance.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Mountain Lion and Panther? Comparative Table: Mountain Lion vs Panther
Comparative Table: Mountain Lion vs Panther
Here is a table comparing the differences between mountain lions and panthers:
Feature | Mountain Lion | Panther |
---|---|---|
Scientific Name | Puma concolor | Panthera (subspecies of leopards and jaguars) |
Common Names | Cougar, Puma | Black Panther, White Panther |
Size | Weighs up to 100lbs less than panthers | Larger and stronger than mountain lions |
Color | Yellowish-brown, silvery-grey, reddish | Melanistic variants (black or white) |
Roar | Does not roar, hisses, purrs, or growls | Produces horrific roars |
Habitat | Mountains, deserts | Grasslands, forests |
Hind Paw | Larger than panther's hind paw | Smaller than mountain lion's hind paw |
Geographic Range | Americas | Africa, Asia, South America |
Please note that panthers are melanistic variants of leopards and jaguars, and they can be either black or white in color. Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are a distinct species and are not considered big cats like panthers.
Read more:
- Mountain Lion vs Puma
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- Cougar vs Mountain Lion
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- Cougar vs Panther
- Jaguar vs Panther
- Panther vs Puma
- Panther vs Cheetah
- Leopard vs Snow Leopard
- Jaguar vs Leopard
- Tiger vs Leopard
- Tiger vs Lion
- Cheetah vs Lion
- Lion vs Lioness
- Leopard vs Cheetah
- Jaguar vs Puma
- Puma vs Cougar
- Jaguar vs Cheetah
- Tiger vs Cheetah