A true "Black Panther" is actually a melanistic ^* form of the Leopard (Panthera Pardus), which is found in Africa and throughout most of Asia, parts Europe and the Middle East. To confuse matters more, this term has also been used to describe the melanistic form of the Jaguar (Panthera Onca), which is found most commonly throughout South and Central America. Now to add yet another twist to this term, it has also been used as a regional name for the Cougar (Felis Concolor), which was once common throughout all of North, Central and South America. As if that isn't bad enough, the term "Black Panther" has been used by the "Average Joe" to describe any unidentified black cat that he/she has had the fortune of crossing paths with.

^* Melanism, simply put, is an abnormal amount of melanin in the upper layers of the skin and hair. This occurs as a genetic mutation, for the most part, but in some cases can be the "norm" for the species or sub-species. In felids, this is often mistaken to result in a completely black individual. The truth of the matter is that not even the darkest colorations in felids are ever truly black. Instead, under close examination, one will find that the coat is actually a very dark brown.

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