Are cougars and panthers the same animal?

No, cougars and panthers are not the same animal, though they are closely related. Here's the breakdown:

* Cougar: Also known as a mountain lion, puma, or catamount. They are found throughout the Americas, from Canada to South America.

* Panther: This is a general term used for several different large, dark-colored cats. In some regions, "panther" refers specifically to the black leopard (a melanistic leopard).

Here's where it gets confusing:

* Florida Panther: This is a subspecies of cougar, specifically found in Florida. They are sometimes called "panthers" due to their dark coloration, but they are not the same as a black leopard.

So, to be clear:

* Cougars and panthers are not the same animal.

* Florida panthers are a subspecies of cougar.

* The term "panther" can be confusing, as it can refer to several different cat species.