Myths about black panthers have plagued regional NSW for years, with many questioning their existence.
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This myth could be broken as a photo of a black panther spotted in the Blue Mountains has surfaced on Facebook.
The Blue Mountains Explore Page posted a photo of the panther on Wednesday.
“Another Black Panther sighting in our backyard #bluemountains. Photograph was taken our near Pulpit Rock. Thoughs people?”
Since then the photo has been shared 528 times and more than 10000 comments, with people questioning the authenticity of the photo.
Hazelbrook resident Mike Williams, co-author of the book Australian Big Cats: An Unnatural History of Panthers on the subject, said the photo was a hoax.
“It was trotted out in Victoria a few years back,” he said.
There was a reported sighting of the panther in May, also near Pulpit Rock.
The panther could also be related to or the same as a panther seen around the Illawarra region. There is also reports of a panther in north west NSW.
Grace Ryan
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
