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