The mountain lion is the largest cat in the park. It can easily be distinguished from the bobcat not only by its larger size, but also by its long tail. Also known as "panther" or "painter" in the southern Appalachians, this animal is generally tawny or yellowish-brown above and dull whitish to buff below. The sides of the muzzle, the backs of the ears, and the tip of the tail are black or dark brown.