iStockphoto / Banu R
There are no black panthers in the state of Louisiana, at least according to an official 10 years ago who called black panther sightings in Louisiana nothing more than a myth. But flash forward a decade and reports of black panther sightings are persisting.
Speaking back in December 2013, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham called black panther sightings “sort of like Bigfoot. But the truth is there are no black panthers in Louisiana.”
Recently, in the Rapides Parish which is home to Alexandria, Louisiana, one resident told CenLANow they recently saw a black panther. Ken Lee said “We were in a tent, and heard something that sounded like a baby crying at first. And then, the sound turned to something else. I saw a big black cat, and I knew to mind my business from over there.”
He described the black cat they saw as being the size of a zoo animal.
Black Panther Sightings In Louisiana?!
Adding gasoline to the fire of these myths, a recent photograph showing a size 13 sandal next to what appears to be a panther paw print has the rumor mill swirling.
Taking a skeptical approach to this for a moment, the photograph is suspicious for several reasons. Firstly, the paw print is extremely crisp and the ground is not wet. It is possible the paw print is legitimate but that’s suspect. It’s possible someone used a stamp to make it look real.
Secondly, there’s no verified location data attached to the image. For all we know that is a legitimate panther print but the photograph was taken at a sanctuary and not in Louisiana.
Even still, the myths persist. This news segment from 12+ years ago only reinforces how locals want to believe there are black panthers on the prowl:
Here is another example of a supposed Louisiana black panther sighting. Notice how, like Bigfoot videos, the footage is grainy and the location data unable to be verified:
Could it be real???
Alas, there is a plausible explanation for the black panther sightings. One Louisiana resident told CenLANow “It’s possible there’s a cougar making its rounds with a genetic mutation that causes its fur to be black, or a really dark brown.”
Historically, panthers ranged all throughout Louisiana. Currently, however, their ranging territory is confined so Southern Florida. The most likely explanation, if any of the black panther sightings are to be believed, is an exotic pet got loose and wasn’t reported because it wasn’t legally owned.