TC, Lots of people (myself formerly included,) do not believe in "black Panthers! Most have attributed the "black," as being from shadows, and low light conditions. Recently, I read an article that confirmed the existence of a black cat in Texas, and other southern states!
It is/was a Jagaurundi (sp.) and is slightly smaller than a Cougar, andwas believed to be extinct here!

As far as what I've personally seen, I did get a rare sighting of a Cougar (called by the name of cougar, panther, mountain lion etc.)about 5 years ago, while bow hunting, at a range of 20 yards, so there was no doubt as to what it was!
About a year later, on the same property I saw a Turkey! Which was the first, and only Turkey, that I've ever seen in East Texas! There has been a Turkey restocking program here, and it appears to be slowly working!

I know that Cougars, and Turkey are common sights in many places, but not here! Those sightings were my first, in half a century of living!