While black panther does not describe any particular species of cat and any black big cat is technically a black panther, modern science only accepts two species as being able to produce black panthers. These are the African leopard and the South American jaguar, neither of which (at least in modern times) are native to the region. Repeated sightings across Europe have led many to believe that there is an as of yet undiscovered species of big cat living in the region that is producing black panthers. An alternative theory for the numerous big cat sightings in Europe blame the sightings on escaped animals from circuses, zoos and private collections. This seems quite plausible as black leopards have been bred for centuries in captivity. At least in this case, no large black cats have been reported missing in the region, leaving the creatures origin a mystery.

Black panther spotted in factory area [via Phantoms and Monsters]

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