Are there black cougars?

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When you think of the name Puma, you either have the trademark or a big, black cat in mind. But is that actually true and are there any black cougars at all?

This is a real cougar.
This is a real cougar. © Axel_Hoffmann / Pixelio

Interesting facts about pumas

  • Although the puma is a relatively large animal, from a zoological point of view it is one of the small cats. And if you dig deeper into the subject, you will find that there are at least 20 subspecies of the puma.
  • These subspecies often have a specific name (depending on the regular whereabouts of the cats or depending on the coat markings) and then the word puma, for example mountain puma. Words like lion or cougar are also used.
  • Usually the puma has a beige fur. Other drawings are also possible, so that names like silver lion have emerged.
  • Pumas live - if they are not kept in the zoo - in North or South America. They can reach a height of 60 to 70 centimeters (measured at the shoulder) and, contrary to popular belief, they don't always run fast. They even avoid the fastest pace when they flee; as soon as they can, they jump up a tree. After all, they can jump more than five meters high from a standing position.

Why there are black cats

  • As already mentioned, there are many subspecies of pumas that deviate from the standard. One of these would be a black puma, which is also under the Names Panther is known.
  • Difference between Puma and Panther explained simply

    The zoological explanations of the individual animal species are sometimes a bit confused. …

  • However, there are also leopards that do not have spotted fur, but have also become monochrome, namely black. These are also called panthers, sometimes also black panthers to emphasize the color.

Conclusion: If you take into account that a panther is a subspecies of the puma, then the question of whether there are black pumas can undoubtedly be answered with yes.

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