Posted by MMMMarcia on September 17, 1999 at 17:34:30:
In Reply to: Re: ** Black Panters ** posted by Champ on September 17, 1999 at 14:59:44:
: Siyo MMMMarcia ---
: yes, in fact I questioned her about it actually being *black* as I too had never heard of such a thing (except for leopards, as you pointed out above).
: She swears up & down its so, says her neighbor has gotten a good look at it, as they have been leaving food out for it to bring it in view (!!!)....
: Hence why I've asked to see a picture of it...
: I have heard of (& seen) some rather dark gray panthers (cougars/pumas/catamounts/etc) before, but never a black one.
: Could very well be an exoctic "pet" that has been turned loose,
: and they dont realize it...
Siyo, Champ! (Oh, look! I'm bilingual, again!)
According to all the info available on Florida panthers, etc, felis concolor does not come in a black form. I don't doubt they could be seeing a black cat, I'm just (like you) very doubtful it's a panther/cougar. I'll bet it is an escaped leopard. But if it IS a leopard, I wouldn't be feeding it, if I were they. A leopard is a lot more aggressive than most panthers. Could be they are creating a dangerous situation, which would probably end up with the cat having to be destroyed. Have they contacted Wildlife authorities in the area? Someone could probably trap the cat.
MMMM