I don't think anyone was claiming there was a black mountain Lion, maybe a black panther. There have been reports across the US of people releasing panthers that they thought would make great "Pets" and thought they would fair better for themselves in a state park or a wide open area. This is what I believe to be a lot of sightings of big black cats across the midwest. Thats what was being claimed for the Big Cat that was roaming around 25 miles west of Lawrence KS where I went to school.

Personally, I think that there may be a big black cat or two roaming around down in southern Illinois. There is a forum on a website that only covers S. IL hunting and there are some pretty convincing stories and photos. I don't want to give away locations but the gentleman that I heard it from was within the Saline/Williamson County area in Southern Illinois. Im not sure if thats the general area that Uncle Matt hunts, but again, the gentleman that told me this I trust completely so I believe he is true. Another weird thing that they have told me about the farm which is VERY big is that they never find a deer carcass, ever, and with the HIGH population of deer on this farm, there is something weird about that, plus they RARELY ever see a coyote. Now, Im not saying this proves one way or another but just kind of interesting.

I have seen some BIG black Feral house cats as well. We finally got one we have been chasing for 2 years last year (In Michigan). This cat was known to stalk deer and try to take them down! It never did take one down but this cat thought it was a frickin' lion. I saw it attempt this once, it was pretty insane. When we finally got him in a trap, I couldn't believe his size. Was almost the size of a coyote! Almost a shame to put it down. So personally, I believe there are big black cats like panthers or cougars out there, but I also think that there are some extremely big Feral cats out there as well.

Uncle Matt, by the way that Obama comment made me laught out loud!