Black Panthers Apparently Still Around, In N.J.

It’s been a while since any news reports that essentially boil down to “large animal spotted.” And, as such, last night Erin O’Hearn — good use of the talent, guys — reported on a possible panther spotted in Vineland, N.J.

Jim Gardner said it was seen “as recently as last night.” It, of course, gets better. The animal spotted was the color black, meaning… that’s right! The entire report, the animal is referred to as a black panther. Was it Tommie Smith or John Carlos?

Several neighbors on Old Farm Drive in Vineland have spotted the, erhm, black panther in the woods behind their houses. Vineland police said they’ve had reports of panther sightings but no officer has seen the animal yet. The popo also say the panther may have been bought on the black market and then released once it got too big. I was waiting for a panther to dart across the street — you bet I’m not making a “maul Erin O’Hearn” joke here — behind the camera, but none did.

In the meantime, I’ll just keep laughing at the headline. Who knew the Black Panthers were still around?

Black Panther Possibly Spotted in Vineland [6 ABC]