Black Panther Sightings In South Jersey Debunked, Police Say

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ - A black panther reportedly seen roaming around South Jersey was most likely just a large dog, authorities said.

Following reports of a black panther observed strutting around the Weymouth section of Hamilton Township in Atlantic County, a search for a large black feline instead yielded the discovery of a large black dog belonging to a local resident.

“We have continued to investigate these reports that appear to have stemmed from one original call/post and, at this time, all reports/calls/posts about a black panther have been unsubstantiated,” police said.

If you’re looking for a pet panther of your own, you’ll have to get a specialty permit to house it in the Garden State. Potentially dangerous species like big cats are only approved to be kept in New Jersey for scientific holding, animal dealings or exhibitions, according to Big Cat Rescue.