Very True Sylvan - proving this is a cougar or not will not really solve the question everyone wants answered it will only solve the question of weather or not the pic is of a mt lion or a bobcat -
I think this thread has pretty much turned into a thread of who is right/who is wrong, I told you so and now I am taking my ball and going home type of debate.
I did open the pic in paint and try to point out something I noticed in the pic though. You have to look carfully because the pic is not great quality but I highlighted and area that would be where the tail should be and is not entirely clear to me that the tail is not there - but, it may also be the tail blending in with the far side rear leg. What do you think?