Mountain lion, puma, cougar, panther—this cat is known by more names than just about any other mammal! And “panther” is a general term for cats that have solid-colored coats, so it was used for pumas as well as black jaguars. All of these names are considered correct, but scientists usually use the name puma.

Can a puma beat a jaguar?

In a fight, a puma will outmaneuver those jaws in a heart beat. Sure, if jag can get pumas head in its grip… its curtains. But puma has equal claws, can have equal weight, and the quickness to give its own version of an ass-whoopin on a jaguar.