The presence of large, elusive wildcats in Mississippi has long been a subject of widespread public fascination and local folklore. Many people wonder if the “panther” still roams the state’s forests and swamps. This curiosity often stems from historical accounts and occasional reports of large, dark, feline-like animals. Understanding the official scientific perspective on these creatures requires clarifying the terminology often used to describe them.
Clarifying “Panther” Terminology
The term “panther” is not a specific biological classification but rather a broad, colloquial label applied to several large cat species. In North America, “panther” most commonly refers to the cougar, also known as a mountain lion or puma (Puma concolor). The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), represents the only confirmed cougar population currently existing east of the Mississippi River, primarily found in the southwestern tip of Florida.
The notion of a “black panther” is a common misconception in North America. There is no scientific evidence of melanism, a genetic mutation causing black pigmentation, in cougars. Black panthers are melanistic variations of leopards in Africa and Asia, or jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Americas. While melanism can occur in bobcats and jaguars, it has not been documented in cougars.
The Official Stance on Mississippi’s Panther Population
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) maintains a clear stance on panthers in the state. According to the MDWFP, there are no resident, breeding populations of cougars or large wildcats commonly called “panthers” in Mississippi. This position is based on extensive scientific monitoring and a lack of verifiable evidence of established populations.
Historically, cougars were native to Mississippi but were extirpated (locally extinct) by the mid-20th century. Habitat loss and unregulated hunting contributed to their disappearance from the state. While the Eastern Puma (Puma concolor couguar) was once widespread across the eastern U.S., it has since been declared extinct.
Despite the absence of breeding populations, occasional transient cougars are confirmed in Mississippi. These are typically young males dispersing from established populations in other states like Arkansas, Louisiana, or Florida. Such individual sightings do not indicate a re-establishment of a resident population in Mississippi.
Understanding Reported Sightings
Reports of “panther” sightings persist across Mississippi, often stemming from misidentification of other animals. Common misinterpretations include bobcats (smaller but mistaken for larger felines) and large domestic cats (whose size might be exaggerated). At a distance or in poor light, coyotes or large dogs can be confused with cougars due to their shape and movement.
Feral hogs, abundant in Mississippi, are sometimes mistaken for large, dark animals. Even black bears, with a growing population in Mississippi, could be misidentified, especially when glimpsed. While rare, some reported sightings might involve a legitimate transient cougar passing through the state. However, these isolated occurrences do not signify a breeding population.
Most reported sightings lack the physical evidence necessary for confirmation. Such evidence includes clear photographs or video footage, identifiable tracks, or scat. The MDWFP emphasizes that without verifiable data, most accounts remain unconfirmed, contributing to the folklore surrounding panthers in the state.
What to Do If You Encounter a Large Wildcat
While encounters with cougars in Mississippi are uncommon, knowing how to react to a large wildcat promotes safety. If an encounter occurs, do not approach the animal. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, and making noise.
Avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, maintain eye contact and back away slowly, giving the animal an escape route.
If with children or pets, pick up small children and keep pets close to protect them. In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively using anything available, aiming for the animal’s eyes and face, and do not play dead. Credible sightings should be reported to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including precise location, time, and a description of the animal. Providing clear photographic or video evidence, or details of tracks or scat, is helpful for wildlife authorities.