Welcome to TheOhioOutdoors
Wanting to join the rest of our members? Login or sign up today!
Login / Join

Black Panthers in Ohio

Spencie

Senior Member
5,051
145
Constitution Ohio
There have been some trail cam pics going around our area of a Black Panther(s) this fall. From reports I have heard everything seems legit. Not too many things in the woods concern me...coyotes, black bears, bobcats, etc but a Black Panther is a different story.

I'm wondering what the law is on shooting one. Would it be the same as last falls Sitka deer encounters where it was perfectly legal to harvest one because they were not supposed to be in Ohio?
 
Last edited:

cotty16

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
I've noticed an increase in panther and mountain lion sightings. I'm with you, the others don't bother me, but I don't like the idea of a big cat pouncing on my ass from the brush or tree. Lol

I'm going to say that we can't shoot... but not sure.
 

Hedgelj

Senior Member
Supporting Member
7,144
178
Mohicanish
I am guessing it would go the same as shooting a bear, you would have to prove self defense or else big fines for spring a nongame animal and the state would take the dead animal.
 

bowieoutdoors

*Supporting member*
I'm not sure about Ohio but in WV they specifically say No Open Season for Elk,Mountain Lion, and something else I can't remember. I would think if it doesn't say no open season then it may be considered a non-native species and could be shot. I have always found it funny that they take the time to say no open season for mountain lion but will deny they exist in WV every time it's brought up. We have found tracks at my brother's place and I saw one with my own two eyes a couple years ago while in the stand. Makes for a fun walk out after dark. I guess you would just have to ask the DNR about the legalities of it. Legal or not makes no difference to me if my safety in the woods is in question. I'm sure people who live out west and deal with them regularly would laugh at me but I'm ok with that. lol
 

brock ratcliff

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
24,834
247
I'd shoot it. I wouldn't bother with the DoW...they don't manage deer worth a crap, I wouldn't worry too much about them managing anything else...
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
56,739
274
North Carolina
Wouldn't a black panther be an exotic and fall under the same rules if say you saw a gazelle walking around? Not native too the US and can be taken???? Either way if it's me or it..... It's going too get shot at until I run out of arrows or rounds....
 

brock ratcliff

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
24,834
247
I would say that would be in line with the natural predator/prey relationship, J, and should be considered OK with the DOW.
 

BGarrett

Junior Member
225
0
Belpre
I'd be inclined to think that there isn't a season and would need treated as okay under attack. They'd probably hammer your ass if you got it mounted.
 

Mike

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,840
223
Up Nort
I thought you guys were talking about the black revolutionary socialist organization.
 

cotty16

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
frabz-Im-sorry-I-ruined-your-black-panther-party-4f470c.jpg
 

matthewusmc8791

Junior Member
288
46
NE Ohio
I have a friend of mine that swears by it in Muskingum county."i'm telling ya man there is a HUE CAT AROUND HERE" lol...
With everyone with cameras all over the place, why haven't we seen pics of any of these big cats?? I'm seeing regular sightings of bob cats at our property but no PANTHERS or MOUNTAIN LIONS.
 

reo

Junior Member
484
68
N.E. Ohio
I have a friend of mine that swears by it in Muskingum county."i'm telling ya man there is a HUE CAT AROUND HERE" lol...
With everyone with cameras all over the place, why haven't we seen pics of any of these big cats?? I'm seeing regular sightings of bob cats at our property but no PANTHERS or MOUNTAIN LIONS.

I believe that they have been taught to avoid the cams by area squatches lmao
 

Griz

Junior Member
100
0
NH
It may be the old trapper in me coming out, but the three S's work just fine for me. Shoot, shovel, and silence. I need to make myself clear. Only in self defence !