Panthers in New Hampshire? I saw one, even though the government say that is not possible!?

Question

I live in Keene New Hamsphire, Chesire County. About six years ago my brother, my mom, and I were walking through a park in Keene. On our way back, there was a HUGE black cat, with floppy ears, and huge paws sitting in the path! It must of been a panther! Although the fish and game department say that panther left New Hampshire in the late 1800's, I do not believe it. The cat was to big to be a bobcat, or lynx, and it did not have pointy ears. All black, and in the middle of Keene, in a state park! I still remeber it and it still scares me. The "panther" did see us, but it just sat there, staring at us! DO you think it is possible! I do! There were also lot of other people in the park, but no one else seemed to have seen it.

Answer 1

I live in NH In The white moutains. I belive you. You never know. it could have made its way into your reagion from Canada or anywere. I would be very scared too if I saw a panther in the woods

Answer 2

I live in suburban Dallas, and you wouldn't believe the animals I've seen that travel the creek bottoms and scavenge at night. Fortunately, many others around here have also seen the bobcats, coyotes, etc. So, do I believe you could've seen a panther in NH?

Yes. As others have pointed out, it could've been a cat from Canada (just passing through), and not necessarily a long lost NH panther on the make. That's actually what I suspect, since you said nobody else has since seen (reported?) any further sitings. Many of the cats down here are "just passing through" from the countryside looking for new territory, or trying to adapt to human presence. (They tend to sometimes eat people pets--or mate with them-- though, so they are a bit of a nuisance).

It would be worthwhile to point this out to your wildlife officials, and ask them to take you seriously. If ONE cat found NH attractive, well, odds are that sooner or later...

Answer 3

Could it be an American Mountain Lion that was born with black fur? Or was there a show going on where they were showing animals.
Maybe it WAS a Panther, sometimes we think animals are extinct or not there anymore only to have a fast and simple sighting of them

Answer 4

I live in VT and I believe you too. We Vermonters have Mountain Lions/ Cougars all over the place in the mountains. Panthers are just a M.L. with black fur. Its very possible that the gov was just lying... like everything else that they try to hide.

Answer 5

Hey if our govt. says it's impossible they must be right. Just because you saw it with your own two eyes is no reason to think that you actually saw it...........but I,believe you anyhow.