JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning residents about two sightings in San Marco last week of what is believed to be a panther.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Friday night that it received two reports of sightings, one near the railroad tracks on Lasalle Street behind the 1500 block of Hendricks Avenue and another near the Knights of Columbus building on Hendricks Boulevard.
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While officials said it could be easy to mistake a feral cat or a bobcat for a Florida panther, panthers do have some distinguishing traits.
A Florida panther generally weighs about 100 pounds and has a long, thick tale, tawny fur and no spots.
So is there a panther on the prowl in San Marco, or is it just a case of mistaken identity? That's what wildlife officials are trying to figure out.
"I'm not afraid. If I see one coming, I'll just walk away," one resident said.
A San Marco park is just feet away from one of the sightings, but no one who was there Monday appeared to be phased by the reported sightings.
"For me, I'm not concerned because they are not going to prey on your children unless your children are far from you," one parent said.
"We get panther reports all the time. We get a report just about every day," said Karen Parker, of Florida Fish and Wildlife. "Nine times out of 10, that turns out to be a bobcat or a large domestic house cat."
Officials said bobcats are as common in northeast Florida as Florida panthers are uncommon.
The Florida panther is an endangered species. About 200 exist, mostly in the southern part of state. The farthest north one has ever been spotted is Flagler County.
"You certainly don't want to get up close and personal with a bobcat either," Parker said.
If you think you've seen a panther, you're asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-4676.