by Jennifer
(Amherst, Ny)
While hiking in a swampland nature preserve 2 years ago with a friend, we happened upon a cat-like animal (appearing approx. 45lbs.) that was slowly moving through some tall grass.
We were approximately 30 ft. away, and could only see the body, shoulders, and tail, as it moved through the grass.
It’s head/face was hidden (to the ground) as it moved. I started to move closer out of curiosity, while my friend yelled for me to move back. Curiously enough, it was a solid dark brown color, not variegated as one might expect of the rare, wild felines occasionally spotted in this area.
The tail was long, thin and short-haired. It hung straight down. I could tell by the movement of the shoulders and by the tail that it was definitely feline in nature. Although unsure of it’s identity, I am certain that it was not a coyote, which is common in this area.
I have talked to numerous individuals familiar with wildlife in Amherst NY (Erie Co.), but have not to find someone who could give any info. that would appear to fit the description of this particular animal. Any thoughts or info. would be appreciated! Thanks.
Jennifer
Western New York Sighting of Unidentified Feline Animal to Wild Cat Species
Thanks for sharing Patricia.
I forgot to say, this was in East Aurora.
Saw long, thin, fairly large animal in my sister’s yard, threatening a cat in a tree, out on a limb. I went out to see why the cat was screaming, when my sister started yelling for me to get in the house, and to look at this animal- what is it? It definitely walked like feline. We could only see the outline, but it was definitely a large cat, bigger than a bobcat.
a knowledgeable friend was out dear hunting in my back woods. that was 10 or 11 2019.he told me he saw a FISHER CAT there. this guy knows his stuff and reading avove felt i should relay this. thanks
They sound like melanistic (black) subadult cougars. There are other reports of melanistic cougars. They exist. Thanks for sharing Bonnie.