Big Cats in South Walton

[reporter2]

I am interested in the possibility that big cats might exist in South Walton. I have heard many reports of folks seeing such critters. Some say they are jaguarundi; others say they are panthers, but I am sure that something is out there. Has anyone had sightings or heard tell of big cats in this area, specifically around Point Washington. I am interested to know.

 

[BeachSiO2]

I didn't see any big cats when I lived in Pt Washington for a couple of years, but there is a pretty important kitty that hangs around the WaterColor area

 

[Miss Kitty]

I didn't see any big cats when I lived in Pt Washington for a couple of years, but there is a pretty important kitty that hangs around the WaterColor area

...you beat me!

 

[BeachSiO2]

...you beat me!

 

[wrobert]

I was born and raised in northwest Florida. Hunted this area all my life. And I had to google that cat name you first mentioned. I guess I am just living in an isolated world. Now I did see a Jakovasaurs one time.

 

[Hop]

bobcats...but they aren't that big...

 

[Rudyjohn]

They had to kill a 150 lb. cougar in Chicago this morning. They saw it darting about the northshore village of Wilmette yesterday. Then it was spotted a bit further south in Chicago today. The cops shot it. They didn't have any tranquilizer darts on them.

They keep showing the pics on TV and it looks so beautiful and docile...

... laying on the pavement. So sad.

.

 

[ASH]

I would think that the prey that a big cat would need on a regular basis just doesn't exist down here. I would highly doubt the report without proof of more than one. One can be explained as a "pet got too big" release.

 

[organicmama]

http://www.anomalist.com/features/jag.html

Miss Kitty, did you bring some friends from home?

That article does mention them being spotted in FL & then mentions the South in general.

Here's another one: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/jaguarundi.htm

 

[Smiling JOe]

talk to H.C. His dogs treed a big cat (told by WalCo Sheriff's Deputies that it was a jaguarundi) in his yard, a couple of years ago.