Big Cat GameCam Pic

[Hole Hunter]

This picture was passed along by a friend. The cam pic was taken in Straughn, AL. I don't know where that is, but here is the pic nonetheless.
"Black Cat crossed our path...."

[grnhed]

[crazyjoedevola]

Changing my pants now!

[jtdumallard]

GATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[britlab]

Its south Alabama, just north of the Florida line. Near Andalusia and Opp. There are big cats down that way from time to time. Few and far between but they do venture up that far.

[cwink]

Doesn't look like a recent pic.

[Doc & Nash]

The way I got it figured, I doubt they can read the stateline sign soooo seeing one in Mississippi is possible.

[blackhawk0718]

oh and it starts

[TODO]

Bigfoot delivered pizza to ny house last night . . . you never know whats out there.

[Denduke]

Compared to the sweet gum leaf by the tail he ain't that big, IMO. Notice the scratches on the tree; established trail. Definite evidence to follow up on. You could prolly live trap him. Wouldn't advise soft catch #3, cats, domestic or foreign, are dangerous to release. Don't let me snow on your parade. It might be a giant sycamore leaf and indeed a whompus cat. But looks like a black domestic/feral kitty to me... Kinda like the one posted the other day. You could compare it to the broom sage at the edge of the field and see that the cat wasn't but 'bout a foot tall....Oh well, maybe one day some proof will come....$.02

[farmerc83]

Bigfoot delivered pizza to ny house last night . . . you never know whats out there.

I just fell out laughing when I got a visual of your @$$ stumbling to the door and Bigfoot standing there with a Domino's hat on.

[HARDCOREWATERFOWLER]

man i seen one the other day while sitting in my shooting house. it was running and i could not get a shot. You ever heard one of them thangs scream. Boy it will put chills down your back. Sounds like a woman screaming.

[chadrideduck]

There are no black Panthers. Yes there are chocolate or brown panthers......

Referrence:http://www.fws.gov/floridapanther/panther_faq.html


"A single wild population in south Florida of 80-100 adult panthers is all that remains of a species that once ranged throughout most of the southeastern United States. This remnant breeding population is in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Dade and Monroe counties. A few males have been documented in central Florida, but no females are known to be in that area. The Florida panther was eliminated over much of its historical range by the late 1800's by humanpersecution and habitat destruction. Because the panther was geographically isolated in south Florida, no natural gene exchange occurred with other puma subspecies. Inbreeding caused a decline in the health and reproduction of the few remaining panthers. By 1995, only 20-30 panthers remained in the wild. That year, eight female Texas cougars were relocated to south Florida to restore genetic variability to the population. All offspring of the Texas cougars are considered to be Florida panthers. The genetic restoration of the Florida panther was successful and the number of panthers tripled in 10 years.

How big are Florida panthers?
Adult male panthers average between 130 and 160 lbs with an average length of 6-8 feet. Adult female panthers weigh between 70-100 lbs and have an average length of 5-7 feet.

How likely am I to see a Florida panther?
If you see a Florida panther, consider yourself very lucky . These notoriously elusive animals prefer to be as far away from humans as possible. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, dogs, and even the domestic cat are often mistaken for a panther.

Are Florida panthers black?
It is a common misconception that Florida panthers are black. They are actually tawny and brown with cream or white colored undersides. Small amounts of black coloring can be found around the face, paws, legs, and tip of tail. Baby panthers are born with black spots that last approximately two months after birth. This is so that their mother can camouflage them better from potential predators.

If Florida panthers aren't black, then what IS a black panther?
There is no species of "black panther." The large black cats seen in zoos or used by media outlets are usually either the black (or melanistic) phase of jaguars or leopards. Some species of wild felines, especially those that are spotted as adults (including bobcats) have melanistic or black color phases. This color phase is unusual. However, there has never been a black or melanistic panther, cougar, or mountain lion documented in the wild or in captivity.

What is the difference between a panther and a cougar?
Mountain lions, pumas, cougars, catamounts and panthers are names for the same species: Puma concolor. Florida panthers are one of more than 20 subspecies of pumas. Scientists determine subspecies by differences in physical and genetic features. The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) has distinct morphological and genetic differences that scientists can differentiate from other Puma concolor subspecies. Even with the restoration of genetic variability from the Texas cougars in 1995, the Florida panther continues to be distinct from other subspecies of pumas. Because it is distinct from other subspecies and is a small, isolated relic population, the Florida panther is listed as a federal and state endangered species.

Are there behavioral differences between Florida panthers and other subspecies of Puma concolor?
There are no behavioral differences between Florida panthers and other puma subspecies.

How big is their territory?
The average male panther has a home range of approximately 150 square miles, with 200 square miles not uncommon. Males are territorial and will defend their home range against other males. A male's home range overlaps with female panthers. A female's home range is smaller, approximately 80 square miles, and overlaps with other females. It is not uncommon for a panther to travel 20 miles in a single day."

[hotty toddy]

That house cat is about as dangerous as Auburn was this year

[Hole Hunter]

Agreed after further examination and given the size of the surrounding trees, leaves and plant life....this is clearly a baby black panther.
Beware of their young, the mother is surely close by...!!

ASA LAMA LAKUM, MY BROTHERS!!!