ORIGINAL: Baleful Scout
Your trying hard aint you?
Unlike confusing 2 species, the Puma just has many names it is known by. I have learned something during this discussion(The Puma is known by more names than any other species in the world)
The only difference between a "Big Cat" in Washington State and a "Big Cat" in Florida is the size and color variation.

Just like the Whitetail difference between Maine and Mississippi.
Hotter temperatures require a smaller body.

Strictly Evolution.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/cougar/cougar5.htm
http://www.panther.state.fl.us/handbook/natural/science.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/50.shtml
Three "scientific" sites that support my use of the word "Panther"as beinga correct termto use for "The Cat of One Color" inNorth America.