I read the terms, mountain lion, cougar, bobcat, etc frequently in articles, even in reported sightings of them and yard camera pic image captures here in Michigan. Are these different terms being used interchangeably and mistakenly?
Mountain lions and cougars are the same species a bobcat is completely different like a lynx they are much smaller.
As I understand it.
Mountain lion, cougar and puma are interchangeable names for the largest American feline.
Bobcat is different feline, also known as Lynx. (Smaller and more common)
“Are these different terms being used interchangeably and mistakenly?”
Interchangeable depending on the region. Also add panther and puma.
The bobcat is smaller.