Reported panther in New Jersey community may be just a black dog, police say

Friday, April 7, 2023
HAMILTON TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- A police department in New Jersey says reports of a panther on the loose may be a case of mistaken identity.

Police in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County say they are aware of 'numerous social media posts' about the animal in the Weymouth section.
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The department says officers responded to a call for a report of a black coyote or large feline in the woods on Thursday.

"After a brief search, officers located a large black dog which belonged to a local resident," the department said in a Facebook post.
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Hamilton Twp. police say all of the reports appear to have stemmed from one original call or post.

"At this time, all reports/calls/posts about a black panther have been unsubstantiated," the department said.
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