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Helmi Flick Photo

I saw a Florida panther in Marion Oaks, Florida

by Jonathan Figueroa
(Tampa FL.)

I know this sound unreal but me and one other person about 15 years ago each spotted a "Florida panther" in Marion Oaks, Florida in the western side of Marion County, Florida.

I know the difference between a panther and a bobcat. There are huge differences across the board as far as tail ,size and coloration among others.

I have seen enough bobcats growing up around Ocala National Forest to know what a bobcat looks like. This cat was about 5 or 6 feet long dark tawny color prob weighed about 120 pounds give or take.

I was picking up cans on the side of the road. I was 15 years old at the time and money was hard to come by. And there it was by the side of the road coming from some Oak Hammocks about 20 yards ahead of me it looked up and moved back into the woods.

I know you will not believe me and I am wasting my time but I saw what I saw!!!If it happened today I would have a picture. I also live in Tampa now so the chance of seeing one is zero. At the time of this story I lived on the outskirts of Ocala which was and parts are still very heavily wooded.

Jonathan Figueroa




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I saw a Florida panther in Marion Oaks, Florida

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Jul 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Florida panter in Marion Oaks
by: Anonymous

I saw one in Marion Oaks, Florida too!!! Just this morning on may way to work. Crazy!
Jun 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		I saw one in Longwood, FL June 1st!
by: Deb

At 12:30 pm ET, I pulled out the car from our garage (next to small, mini woodsy area) and a 5ft. or greater Florida panther about 5 car lengths away sprang in full run across from one side of the road to the other to another section of woods -- alongside a drainage ditch, apparently in hot pursuit of an animal. We used to have a lot of wild cats, but all but one have disappeared since that siting. It was fully grown though appeared young, lean and was more beige than golden with dark markings on it's rounded ears, mouth/snout and feet. I clearly saw it's rounded feet and ears and head. I have seen bobcats and lions (captive) before, so I know what I saw!
May 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Michael

Hi, Jonathan. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to tell us about your Florida panther sighting. I completely believe you!

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Written material by Michael Broad and Helmi Flick's photos are copyright protected - please respect it. My thanks to all the contributors both in articles and comments for adding interest to this site through personal experience and insights.