According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department there are no black
panthers in Texas, only mountian lions from the Puma genus. Black panthers
are leopards from the Panthera genus and do not live in North America.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_w7000_0232.pdf
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/mlion/
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
Photo ©TPWD
Description
Body length: 3-4 ft. Tail: 2.5-3 ft. Height at shoulder: 25-30 in. Weight:
70-170 lbs.
The Mountain Lion is a large, slender cat with a smallish head and
noticeably long tail. Its fur is a light, tawny brown color which can appear
gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. Contrary to popular
belief, there are no black panthers in North America; no one has ever
captured or killed a black Mountain Lion. Mountain Lions are also called
cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, and catamounts.
For more information see:
a.. Mountain Lions of Texas (PDF 235.5 Kb)
b.. Field Guide to the Mountain Lions of Texas (PDF 888.6 Kb)
Life History
Mountain Lions are relatively uncommon, secretive animals. They are
carnivores that prey on a variety of animals; some favorites include deer
and wild hogs. Other prey animals included in the Mountain Lion's diet are
rabbits, jackrabbits, javelinas, and rodents. Some lions occasionally kill
livestock or dogs.
The Mountain Lion is solitary, except during breeding. Their young
(typically 2-3 cubs) can be born almost any time of the year. Females
usually breed every two to three years.
Habitat
Mountain Lions generally are found in remote mountains, canyonlands, or
hilly areas with good cover.
Distribution
The Mountain Lion has the widest distribution of any wild cat, from Canada
to South America. Formerly distributed throughout North America, the
Mountain Lion is now found mostly in the remote areas of the western U.S.,
as well as western Canada and much of Mexico. A small population still
exists in southern Florida, where the species is considered endangered.
In Texas, the Mountain Lion is found throughout the Trans-Pecos, as well
as the brushlands of south Texas and portions of the Hill Country. Sighting
and kill reports indicate that Mountain Lions now occur in more counties
than they did 10 years ago and appear to be expanding their range into
central Texas.
Phil Whitmer
Joshua Tree Earth & Space Museum
----------------------------------------------------------
Dangers: See comment on Meth Labs above. Add to it feral hogs, the local
population exploded out here and they are aggressive. We've been told we
should pack a pistol twice today. There has also been attacks by a
black panther here that has the locals skittish. I've heard reports from
hairy toothless rednecks and from a sweet little old lady. The panther
has killed several sheep and goats, and rumors persist it may be
responsible for missing persons reports. And of course, there is always
the Z problem.
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