Well folks (including Moose1915), I hardly believed it myself, but I was lucky enough to observe and videotape a living, breathing, large BLACK cat (cougar sized). This occured only a day ago and the documentation has begun being reviewed by the local DEC office. My first contact considers it valid with good documentaion. The sighting took place in Steuben Co. , NY.
So, as far as the "myth" goes, . . . I've captured one on video. I now know they are real. . . and I'm not sure I want to let my dog run loose in the woods anymore. Hey Moose1915, how does one collect that reward for proof you mentioned??