For years there have been reports of large black panthers in my area of Missouri. The local Conservation Department finally admited there were cougars in the area, but the large black cats have remained a mystery. My father has seen them, but I haven't.... until now!
The weather has finally cooled off just enough that I can comfortably walk around on my 110 forested acre property again. Two days ago I went for a walk starting at 1 in the afternoon. There were a few puffy clouds in the sky, a slight breeze, and the temprature was about 84.
I was carrying my new AR15 to see how it could handle being dragged around the woods. I had been walking for some time when I reached the river that runs through my property. I spotted a series of large flat rocks along the river that were crying my name to sit on them and to cool off. I had a seat on one rock.
The opposite side of the river had a very thick cover of brush and tall sycamore trees. It was almost pitch black in the undergrowth due to all the brush. I was watching schools of small minnows that were in the stream when something caught my eye. I looked across the river to see an animal that had shiny black fur, a long tail, and carrying its head very low. I only saw it for about 5 seconds. This animal may have seen me, but it didn't look straight at me. I have seen many dogs and coyotes, but both of these animals will look straight at you in the eye for at least a split second. I have never seen a dog that won't look at you if you are near it. Whatever it was is about the size of a german shepard.
Needless to say I realized I need a good digital camrea that has zoom and can take quality pictures. Needless to say I will NEVER venture into my woods again without a firearm. At least I know where this "thing" is and how to find it! If I do get a picture of it I will share it with all of you!
