Originally Posted by
2 Lunger
I found this in 2 seconds using google. When I get a chance I will find you a better article.
8. Can cougars be black?
There is no scientific documentation that a black color phase exists in cougars in North America. Several species of the larger spotted cats (leopard and jaguars) do have black color phases. An exotic cat called a jaguarundi, which looks somewhat similar to a cougar -- just a smaller size, has a black phase.
I'm totally new, and probably shouldn't bring this back up, but I wanted to point something out here. Your answer said that there is no scientific documentation. That does not mean that it is the end all answer. All scientific hypotheses and theories are open to arguement and testing. Wikipedia notes that North American black panthers may in fact be black cougars, or black jaguars (which is not unthinkable considering how close we are to South America). It should also be noted that melanism ( a darker skin pattern) has been found not only in panthers and cougars but in bobcats as well, and can be mistaken for a black panther.
From Michigan:
http://www.michigancougar.com/vandenbergblackcougar.jpg
As to black panthers. I live in FL. I have seen large black cats. You cannot tell me they do not exist and walk around.
I am not sure about the image. When blown up, if you look closely, the head shape seems to be thicker and boxier, and the body shape resembles that of a cat to me. That being said, I'd really want a clearer shot.