Residents of North Carolina often wonder about the presence of panthers within the state. This question arises due to historical accounts, local folklore, and occasional sightings. Understanding the true status of “panthers” in North Carolina involves clarifying the term and examining the historical and current distribution of large wild cats.
Understanding the “Panther” Term
The term “panther” is often used interchangeably with other names for large cats, leading to confusion. In North America, “panther” most commonly refers to the cougar (Puma concolor), also known as puma or mountain lion. This adaptable species is the most widely distributed wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, ranging from Canada to South America.
The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), an endangered cougar subspecies, is found primarily in South Florida. It represents the only confirmed breeding population of cougars east of the Mississippi River. A “black panther” is not a distinct species; it describes a melanistic (black-colored) variant of jaguars (Panthera onca) from Central and South America, or leopards (Panthera pardus) from Africa and Asia. Black panthers are not native to North America.
Historical Presence and Current Status in North Carolina
The Eastern cougar (Puma concolor couguar) was historically native to North Carolina, once roaming throughout the state. Their populations significantly declined due to extensive hunting, persecution, habitat loss, and the decrease of their primary prey, white-tailed deer. The Eastern cougar was extirpated, meaning locally extinct, from North Carolina by the late 1800s or early 1900s. The last likely valid record of a wild cougar in North Carolina dates back to the 1880s.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) confirms there is no substantiated evidence of breeding wild cougar populations in the state. While sightings are periodically reported, investigations often reveal them to be misidentifications. Transient cougars may occasionally pass through North Carolina, potentially dispersing from western populations or being escaped captive animals. For instance, two captive cougars with tattoos were found in Tyrrell County in the 1980s after escaping or being illegally released.
Common Misidentifications and Explanations
Reports of “panthers” in North Carolina often stem from misidentification of other common wildlife. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are often mistaken for cougars. These native wild cats weigh between 10 and 40 pounds and can appear substantial, especially at a distance. Their short, “bobbed” tails are a distinguishing feature.
Other commonly confused animals include large domestic cats, especially black ones, which can appear much larger due to forced perspective. Coyotes (Canis latrans), now established statewide, can also be misidentified. They weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and have a bushy tail. Dark-colored bears, particularly black bears, seen at a distance or in low light, also contribute to misidentification reports.