Panthers as Pets

Having Panthers as Pets. The Black Panther is the usual name for a Black specimen (a melanistic variant) of one of the different cat species. The genus name Panthera is a taxonomic classification category that contains all species of a particular group of ferins.

In North America, the term panther is often used for the cougar; in Latin America, it is usually used to mean a jaguar.

Melanism is most common in Black panthers (Panthera onca) – where it is due to a dominant genetic mutation – and leopards (Panthera pardus) – where it is due to a recessive gene mutation. The thorough examination of one of these black cats will show that the typical marks are still there and are hidden by the black melanin pigment’s excesses.

Cats with melanism can coexist with litter mates who do not have this condition. In cats that hunt, especially at night, the situation is not harmful.

There are also white panthers, being albino or leucistic individuals of the same three species. Melanism is probably a beneficial evolutionary mutation with a selective advantage under certain conditions for the owner. It is usually found in dense forest areas, where light levels are lower. Melanism may also be linked to beneficial mutations in the immune system.

Are Panthers Aggressive?

The Panther is an unbelievably smart and alert animal rare in the wild, as they are usually tranquil and cautious animals. The dark brown coat camouflages the Panther in the surrounding forest and almost becomes invisible in the dark of night.

Black Pantera is a solitary animal that lives a nocturnal lifestyle and rests safely on trees for many daylight hours. Like the Leopard and Jaguar, the Panthers are great climbers and not only rest on trees but are also able to keep a watchful eye on prey unseen.

The Panther is a mighty and brave animal feared by many as they are also very aggressive. The Panther is very territorial, especially males whose household ranks overlap those of different females, and they fight for their territory when threatened by another male.

Although in some civilizations, people believe that black panthers are dangerous animals, this is not true. The Panthers only attack if they feel threatened, so if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

Are Panthers Friendly?

They are indeed afraid of people. Therefore, they can defend themselves against possible attacks, just as any animal would. But they are very adaptable to their surroundings and environment.

Although they live in the rainforest, black panthers are highly versatile. They can live in different places with different climates, from lush forests to deserts.

Habitat loss threatens black panthers’ survival due to people’s movement towards traditional natural reserves and wildlife communities.  Environmental pollution, such as mercury and other chemicals, is also the cause of wild animals’ death, including black panthers.

How Much Does a Black Panther Cost?

It is a rare breed, so they are expensive. They can cost from 2000 USD – 4000 USD having a broad range.

Do Black Panthers Attack  Dogs?

Only a few cases have been reported. Rarely have difficult circumstances been claimed. They attacked dogs at night and only when they have no other option left.

Are There Black Panthers in the United States?

Black Panthers live in the world’s hottest areas, such as rainforests (Burma, Nepal, India, etc.), while the United States has a cold, semi-arid climate. Few states have a warm-to-hot atmosphere. Therefore, they are significantly less likely to be found in the United States.

Only 12 times it is reported to be seen in the North region. There have only been 12 sightings reported throughout North America, and because these cats are very agile and intelligent, so it is hard to spot them.

Is it Legal to Have a Black Panther as a Pet?

No, it is not legal to have a Black Panther as a pet because the Class 1 wildlife, which includes lions and tigers, is prohibited from personal ownership unless the animal was possessed on or before August 1, 1980; or on or before August 27, 2009, for Black panthers, cougars, and cheetahs.

Class 1 permit requires one year and 1000+ hours experience, details of experience and place acquired, and two references. Documented educational experience in the field of veterinary zoology or other relevant biological sciences, obtained at the technical school level or college or above, may substitute for up to six months or 500+ hours of the required experience.

The Class 1 permit applicant still has to prove another documented 500 hours or six months if they have the above mentioned Biological Sciences qualifications. Class 1 exhibitors must post a $10,000-$12000 bond or carry 2-3 million in liability insurance. Class 1 animal permits require that Class 1 animals’ facilities be constructed on properties of not less than 5 acres in size.

Permits are required for the sale, public exhibition, or personal possession of only Class 2 wildlife, including servals, bobcats, and caracals.  All generations of savannah cats are only legal, but Black Panthers are not permitted unless you have a Class 1 permit

Other Coat Patterns of Black Panther (Genetic Combination)

Black coat coloration is related to the expression of recessive alleles in leopards and dominant alleles in jaguars. In each breed, a specific combination of alleles stimulates large amounts of the black pigment melanin in the Panther’s skin and fur. Although melanin quantity often varies between members of the same litter, Complete black coat panthers are very rare.

A black coat’s appearance can be affected by other factors, such as the angle of incidence of light and the stage of the animal’s life. For example, some Melanie leopards and jaguars display black coats because they can mask their fur details with diffused light. In full sunlight, however, faint blemishes on the skin may develop.

Also, blackened or near-black coats can result from the retention of black spots from adolescence, which can meet the number of other black fur spots in adulthood. In other species, such as the Lynx, the black or almost black coat’s appearance can also be explained by seasonal color changes.

Feeding a Black Panther?

Panthers are carnivores. Its food mainly includes herbivores such as wild deers and wild boars. They feed on small animals such as rabbits, dogs, birds, and fish. They eat almost everything that moves unless the prey is too large or strong.

Panthers are occasionally prey to other large carnivores, such as lions and hyenas. Panthers often attack other cats, cows, and goats.

As a result, the most common predator and the greatest threat to all panthers are humans.

Another threat they face is deforestation and the destruction of their natural environment, unlike most pets, panthers, like water. They love swimming, so they prefer habitats that include flooded forests and swampy wetlands. The Panthers spend most of their time swimming, playing, and hunting in cooling water.

Cage and Space Requirements for a Black Panther

Panthers are incredibly adaptable animals found in Asia, Africa, and America. Panthers can thrive in areas such as swamps as well as grasslands. They can also be found in unreceptive regions such as mountains and deserts. The Panther’s black color helps camouflage itself in the surrounding forest, making it almost invisible at night.

Panthers often hunt and live-in trees. They attack the prey with smart tactics. Panthers are also considered the strongest in the cat family.

They can climb up to 18 feet off the surface. They are speedy and active. The Panther has a maximum speed of 71 mph. Panthers can jump up to 20 feet in search of their prey.

The Panther is one of America’s smartest and toughest predators, so the Panther image is widely used as a logo or a pet for sports teams in baseball, football, basketball, and ice hockey.

Physical Characteristics of aBlack Panther

As we all know, The term “black panther” applies to melanistic jaguars, leopards, and pumas. Here we discuss the physical characteristics of all melanistic panthers, which are more common in the US

Body Characteristics of Black Panther

• Robust body
• Largest extant (living) cat of the Americas
• Extinct North American cats, Megantereon, and Smilodon, were more extensive than modern-day Black Panthers
• Size may vary (Smaller Black panthers are found in dense forests and equatorial regions while gigantic Black Panther are located in north and south of the equator)
• Prey size depends upon their body size
• Chest deeper
• Tail shorter
• Paws larger
• Head more broad
• The heaviest cat that climbs very fast
• Shortest fore- and hind-limbs ratio relative to body size of all pantherine cats
• Limbs are relatively shorter than cheetahs
• Hindlimbs more narrowly set than forelimbs
• The retractile claw on each digit

Facial Characteristics

• Massive Head
• Circumference of the head is usually more significant than the height at the shoulder
• Midline ridges are more prominent in males and older individuals as compared to females
• Eyes are sharp and fine
• The color of its iris is golden to yellowish-red
• The pupil is ordinarily round
• Prominent canine teeth
• Lower canines are relatively more extensive as compared to lions
• The most potent bite is of Black jaguar, then black leopards, and then black pumas

Other Characteristics of Melanistic (Black) Panthers

• They are quite common and results from a dominant gene variant.
• They are nearly all black and spots barely visible
• Trait more common in jaguars then other types
• Spotted with dark rosettes, usually “Butterfly” patterned
• Small circular black markings in rosettes are present, which enclosed small spots
• These small spots used to distinguish jaguars from the cheetah and leopard
• Leopards usually do not have these smaller dark spots in the center of each rosette
• Cheetah possess substantial black spots, but their background-color is not visible at center

Tail Characteristics

• The tail has 2-3 black rings regardless of cat specie
• The tail usually ends with a black tip
• Tail white underneath

Sexual Dimorphism

• Males larger than females
• Females usually 10 to 20% smaller
• Dimorphic in size

Black Panther Reproductive Behavior

• Females vocalize to advertise receptivity
• Produce roars to attract opposite mates
• Females in estrus travel long distances to find a mate
• Mating pair forms a temporary relationship
• Associates separate after mating
• Several males may follow/intercourse with the female
• Males seldom fight over a female
• When courting, the female and male travel and feed together

Copulation

• Male commonly licks the nape of his partner’s neck
• Black Panther Female often growls during mating

Reproduction and Development:

• Ovulation induced by mating Year-round reproduction
• Estrus Duration is usually  10-12 days, and the complete Cycle takes 47 days, ± five days (females in extreme care)
• Births concentrated seasonally
• Births more common in the summer months in more temperate climates
• Many new offspring during the rainy season (when prey is plentiful)

Gestation and birth:

• Gestation duration is 100 days ± five days

Birth

• Litter size is usually up to 4 cubs
• Twins are most common
• Infant Weight naturally 680 g (1.5 lb)

Black Panther Baby Care

• Usually, they hide in dense cover; in caves, dens, under an uprooted tree, or bank of a river
• The Black Panther mother provides all care
• Baby remain in the den for up to 2-3 months
• Eyes open after eight-ten days
• Walk after 18-22 days
• Cubs start eating meat at 10 to 11 weeks but continue to suckle until 4 to 6 months
• Cubs begin to follow mother at six-seven weeks of age
• Juvenile leave mother  at 1.5 years of age
• May maintain social bonds until two to three years

 Adult Black Panther Care

• Males mature at three to four years
• Sexual maturity in females is achieved at two to three years
• Age is usually judged/determined by dental development

Longevity:

• In managed-care, they live up to 20-27 years
• In the wild, usually, their age is half, i.e., approx. 11 years due to predators and other harmful situations, including illegal hunting
• Mortality is mostly due to humans, insufficient resources while competing with other animals for food and space.
• Some researchers suggest competition with humans is the primary cause of mortality in the wild.

Health Problems for Black Panthers

There are many diseases that concern your pet panthers. Some include:

Obesity:

Excess weight is the most critical indication of several underlying diseases, but it is also ignored. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and other life-threatening situations are the result of obesity.

Dental problems:

Yes, the pet is being ignored for its regular routines and ultimately healthy lifestyles. They have their teeth worn out. Cats are the pets that are most prone to dental problems, including the Black Panther.

Dental disease often starts with food particles. When food is left in the teeth for a long time will lead to cavities, plaques, and yellowing of the teeth that lead to infection in the roots of the teeth and then the loss of teeth. Proper brushing and dental care are needed to prevent the condition.

Viral Infections:

Panthers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which can be prevented by vaccination. Primary vaccines are similar to other cats and are highly recommended for domestic Black Panthers.

Parasites:

External and internal worms are the critical problem here that cause diseases to the pet. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can enter your system in several ways. The route of entry could be inhalation, ingestion, and injury. Parasites can cause redness, itching, swelling, discomfort, and internal organ problem. The internal organs, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, are of the primary concern. A fecal exam is necessary to ensure the health of the Panther.

Allergies/Atopy:

Pollen, mold, and dust cause skin allergies. That causes itching, sneezing, and other problems for the pet.

Black Panther Safety Tips

Encounters with Black panthers are generally rare because they are only found in specific places around the world. But if you work, live or recreate in a panther surroundings/habitat, there are many things that you can do to increase the safety of your own along with friends and family.

Be Alert From Dusk’ Til Dawn

When it comes to your Safety and your family, always be aware of your environment. Black panthers are mostly active at night, dawn, or dusk. So, exercise more caution at night, or dawn and dusk.

Prepare site For Safety

Remove any vegetation or shrubs that provide cover for black panthers. Remove all species of plants that attract wildlife, especially wild herbivores that are prey for black Panther because by attracting them, you naturally attract their predator, i.e., Black Panther.

Keep Panther Prey Away

Deer, wild hogs and raccoons, are usually the usual prey for the Black Panther. By feeding deer, raccoons, or other wildlife, you may inadvertently attract these ferocious panthers. Wildlife food such as vegetable gardens and unsecured garbage also may attract prey.

Keep Other Small Pets Secure From Black Panther

Roaming pets, including dogs and cats, are easy prey for predators, including black panthers. Supervise your furry pets and then bring them inside or keep them in a secure, comfortable environment if you live in the habitat of black Panther. Feeding dogs outside also may attract small raccoons in search of food, and they may also become victims of Black Panther.

Keep Livestock Secure

Keep your livestock including hogs, goats, chickens, or other livestock in barns or enclosed sheds, especially at night.

Supervise Children

Always keep your children close to you if you are in the territory of black Panther, especially at dawn and dusk. Teach your children about potential life-saving tricks and tactics to protect themselves from Panthers or other wildlife.

Never Approach A Black Panther

Most Black panthers always avoid humans, so never try to approach a Black Panther. If he gets furious, then it’s a life-threatening position for you.

Hike With A Friend or Hike in a group

If you travel in Black Panther surroundings, then always hike with some companion or friend and a backpack and necessary safety equipment.

What to do if You Encounter A Black Panther?

Make yourself appear more prominent and superior, raise your arms, open your jacket, throw stones or sticks, branches, etc., without running or turning away. Speak slowly, firmly, or loudly and wave raised arms slowly, and try to communicate that you are not prey and may be a danger to it. It is the opposite in the case of a bear encounter.

Avoid Bending over or Crouching:

Bending over or Squatting makes you look smaller, resembling a small prey-sized animal.

Do not run.

Running may arouse a panther’s instinct to chase. Make regular eye contact. Stand and face the Panther with courage.

Give some space to the Panther.

Most Black panthers will avoid a confrontation so give them enough space to go away

If Black Panther still attacked you, fight back with whatever is at hand (without running away or turning your back). While Black panther attacks are not so common but potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, garden tools, caps, sticks, jackets, and even their bare hands in western states. Large cats like Black Panther usually try to bite the neck or head so keep standing and face the animal if he attacks you under any circumstances.

Appearance Difference of Black Jaguar Panther compared to Puma

Unlike Puma, the Black jaguar Panther’s heel pad is more extensive and broader, and more rounded than that of a puma, with pronounced lobes at the base. The heel pad extends forward to the bottom of the toes and has a compact appearance. Also, the toes of Black panthers are proportionally more extensive and more rounded than those of a puma

Conclusion

Sleek and powerful, the Black Panther isn’t a distinct species but refers to black colored cats in the big cat family. The leopard, cougar, or jaguar wearing an all-black coat instead of spots is a black panther cat. Black panthers are one of the most muscular felines in the world. Also, Black Panthers are quite elusive and unique animals.

Black panthers are considered endangered in most of the world due to their habitat destruction by humans, led by extensive industrialization and climate change. They are not legal as a pet in the USA. Only zoos, exhibitions, or educational institutes have permits to pet them.

The main threat to them is the human who hunts them for food, fur, or entertainment purposes. The Black Panther population is declined rapidly in the last two decades leading them to be endangered. If necessary steps are not taken soon, they will be completely wiped out from our planet.