Wonders - Vol 3 No 1 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Subtitle: Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 1
Date: March 1994
Publisher: Mark A. Hall Publications and Research
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

This issue of WONDERS magazine, published quarterly by Mark A. Hall, focuses on the intriguing possibility of the survival of the extinct American lion, *Panthera atrox*, in modern times, manifesting as 'black panthers' and large, maned cats reported across North America.

The American Lion (Panthera atrox)

The lead article, "The American Lion (Panthera atrox)" by Mark A. Hall, presents a compelling theory that recent sightings of 'black panthers' and large, maned cats throughout North America are not due to introduced exotic animals or misidentified local fauna, but rather are evidence of surviving *Panthera atrox*. The author argues that the sheer number of reports cannot be explained by other means. Historical references suggest the presence of these cats predates recent decades.

Hall proposes that male *Panthera atrox* possessed manes, similar to modern lions (*Panthera leo*), while the females were the smaller, more active predators known as 'black panthers'. The scientific name *Panthera atrox* translates to "horrible panther," and it is described as one of the largest cats to have ever lived, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. Fossils indicate that *Panthera atrox* was approximately 20 percent larger than the African lion and possessed long, slender limbs adapted for hunting large prey like horses, camels, bison, and even mammoths on the grasslands of the Pleistocene Epoch. Its fossil remains are widespread in North and South America, though notably absent from the eastern and southeastern United States.

Despite the Pleistocene fauna and landscape being long gone, modern reports suggest that *Panthera atrox* has adapted to a world with scarcer resources, dispersing across the continent. Fossil evidence has been found as far north as Alaska and the Yukon, across the western and southwestern United States, and into Mexico and Peru. A few reports from south of the U.S. border hint at its continued presence in parts of Latin America.

Reports and Folklore

The article delves into the nature of these reports, often found in newspaper articles that sensationalize sightings of 'black panthers' and maned cats. These animals are frequently described as preying on livestock and pets, and sometimes become subjects of local folklore, such as the "Beast of Bladenboro." Conservation specialists are sometimes aware of these stories but lack definitive explanations.

The author dismisses the idea of escaped circus animals or pets as the primary explanation, noting that escaped animals are usually identified and tracked. Instead, Hall suggests that the folklore of people releasing pets might stem from the presence of numerous uncatalogued animals like *P. atrox*.

Figures 2 and 3 are presented, mapping a sample of reports from the eastern and western United States and Canada, respectively. The author notes that the eastern half of the continent has seen more research, largely due to his own efforts and those of Loren E. Coleman. He cites research into newspaper files from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, which revealed numerous cat reports. While the western U.S. has seen less research, incidents have been noted, particularly around major metropolitan areas.

Historical references are provided, including a report from Henry Shoemaker's *Juniata Memories* about maned panthers in central Pennsylvania, with one noted as being killed in the Bald Eagle Mountains in 1797 by Peter Pentz. An older report from the Bangor Courier in 1836 mentions the "lunkasoose" in the forests of Maine, described as a ferocious animal of huge size with a mane.

Documented Incidents

The magazine provides extensive lists of documented reports, keyed to maps (Figures 2 and 3). Figure 2 details "Eastern reports of Black Panthers and Maned Cats," with 52 entries dating from 1929 to 1987, citing specific newspaper articles and publications. Notable entries include:

• A 1929 report from Homestead, Florida, mentioning "Florida Mammals."
• Multiple reports from Indiana and Illinois in the late 1940s and 1950s, often from the Richmond Palladium-Item.
• A 1953-54 report from Bladenboro, North Carolina, linked to "NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE."
• Reports from Michigan, Ohio, and New York throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
• A 1970 interview regarding *The Eastern Panther*.
• Multiple reports from Michigan in the 1980s.

Figure 3 details "Western reports of Black Panthers and Maned Cats," with 18 entries dating from 1951 to 1988. These include:

• A 1951 report from Waterloo, Nebraska.
• Reports from California in the 1960s and 1970s.
• A 1973 report from Concord to Danville, California.
• A 1975 report from Nobility, Texas.
• A pre-1976 report from Big Thicket, Texas.
• Reports from Arizona, Oklahoma, and California in the late 1970s.
• A 1983 report from El Toro, California.
• A 1984 report from San Dimas, California.
• Reports from Fort Worth, Texas, in 1985.
• A 1988 report from Fairfield, California.

An additional section discusses a "Tiger in Kentucky" reported in the Lexington Gazette on July 17, 1823. The account describes a gentleman discovering an animal of alarming appearance near Russellville, which was large, had a ferocious look, and was described as having a mane-like feature. The hunters were unable to drive it away even after multiple shots.

Another detailed account describes a "Kentucky monster hunt of 1823," followed by numerous hunts for big cats in the twentieth century, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The article references "varmint hunts" found in the Richmond Palladium-Item and Sun-Telegram. A series of reports from southern Indiana and nearby Ohio in August and September 1948 describes a maned cat accompanied by a black cat. These animals were observed, tracks were found, and livestock were reported lost to predators.

Publication Information and Subscription Rates

The magazine provides its publication details on page 2, stating it is published four times a year (March, June, September, December) by Mark A. Hall Publications and Research. The address is P.O. Box 3153, Butler Station, Minneapolis MN 55403 USA. Individual copies are priced at US$3 plus $1 for postage and handling within the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Subscriptions for four issues in these countries cost $14.50. Other foreign rates are US$20.00 for 4 issues, and single copies by air are $5.50.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of anomalous animal sightings, specifically focusing on the potential survival of *Panthera atrox*. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence from historical accounts, folklore, and contemporary reports as support for the hypothesis that these creatures are not misidentified known animals but rather remnants of an extinct species. The magazine encourages readers to consider unconventional explanations for unexplained animal encounters, positioning itself as a source for "Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries."

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated March 1994, focuses on the intriguing possibility of the American Lion, scientifically known as *Panthera atrox*, surviving into modern times as a cryptozoological entity. The issue presents a compilation of reports, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence, exploring the phenomenon of 'black panther' sightings across the Americas.

The American Lion: A Cryptozoological Survivor?

The central theme of the magazine is the investigation into whether *Panthera atrox*, an extinct Pleistocene-era lion, might still exist. The article begins by referencing a 1977 incident in Allen County, Ohio, where numerous depredations attributed to a 'black panther' yielded tracks and casts. It then presents a typical modern account from Betty Ann Cushman, who described seeing a black panther in Maine in 1981, noting its wide head, long tail, and graceful movement.

Further reports suggest the presence of *P. atrox* south of the U.S. border. David L. Young reported seeing a large black cat in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1976, which was later identified as a dark-colored jaguar, raising questions about the distinction between these large felines. Ivan T. Sanderson is cited for a cat skin collected in western Mexico around 1940, described as over six feet long with a distinctive ruff around the neck, possibly belonging to an 'enormous lion'.

Historical accounts are also explored, including a 1532 event in Guatemala where an 'enormous lion' descended from a volcano, causing havoc. More recent reports include a 1983 protest by a rancher in Honduras concerning 'rare black panthers' on his land. The magazine details several instances where 'black panthers' were reportedly killed in North America, though none were definitively identified biologically. These include a sighting by Walter DeYoung in Minnesota in the early 1970s and a case in Texas involving Sallie Ann Clarke in the early 1960s. A significant incident in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1975 involved reports of a 'sleek black cat with a long tail' and screams at night, leading to the death of a goat.

Physical Evidence and Scientific Skepticism

The issue highlights physical evidence such as tracks, with a specific example from Bluffton, Ohio, in 1977, showing a track measuring 5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide. The article discusses how these tracks are often dismissed as those of dogs due to the claws being retracted, but suggests that large cats with non-retractable claws could leave such imprints. The characteristics of *Panthera atrox* are contrasted with those of pumas, jaguars, and jaguarundis, noting distinct tracks, behavior, and physical traits like manes in males.

Scientific skepticism is addressed, with quotes from experts like Dr. Ernest Provost and Ron Jackson of the Atlanta Zoo, who expressed doubt about the existence of black panthers, suggesting they might be misidentified leopards or escaped circus animals. Thomas Atkeson, writing for the Huntsville Times, is quoted calling black panthers a myth and attributing sightings to alcohol consumption.

Arguments and Counterarguments

The magazine addresses criticisms, such as those from Mike Grayson, who questioned why reports come from areas where lions never occurred and why there are no observed prides. The author counters that a hypothesis for American cats should not be expected to explain mysteries elsewhere and that nature develops uniquely. Grayson's argument that black pigmentation in one sex would be unique is dismissed by the author, who states that nature is not bound by human-invented laws. The possibility of melanistic populations of lions is presented as a developing area of knowledge.

The article also discusses the potential for confusion with other large cats, such as jaguars and jaguarundis, but argues that the reported size and depredations exceed those of domestic cats. It acknowledges that melanism is rare in cougars but suggests that the term 'black puma' might be used loosely.

The Jaguarundi and Other Felines

Figure 5 illustrates the jaguarundi (*Herpailurus yagouarundi*), a small cat averaging 16 pounds, found in Arizona, southern Texas, and southward into Brazil, with established populations in Florida and Alabama. The article differentiates the puma (*Felis concolor*) and bobcat from the characteristics reported for the American lion.

The Case for *Panthera atrox*

The author posits that the reported sightings are explained by the presence of the American lion, *Panthera atrox*, characterized by large size, sexual dimorphism, distinctive tracks, and aggressive behavior. The historical presence of these lions in the Americas is considered undoubted, with the main challenge being the lack of a systematic record of their survival. The article expresses regret that the description of such animals might lead to hunting them for trophies or profit, advocating instead for a non-invasive study approach.

Future Research and Conclusion

The magazine calls for a more methodical survey of cats in the Americas and suggests that the survival of the American lion is a promising area for cryptozoological research. It proposes a 'telebiology' approach, involving remote observation and data collection, to study these animals without harming them. The author expresses hope for the formation of an informal network of curious individuals to track and report sightings of unusual cats, thereby contributing to a more coherent body of data on the American lion and other cryptids.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, the investigation of unknown or legendary animals, specifically focusing on the potential survival of prehistoric megafauna like the American Lion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and arguments for the existence of these elusive creatures while acknowledging scientific skepticism and advocating for careful, non-harmful research methods. The magazine encourages public participation in reporting sightings and contributing to the collective knowledge of these mysterious animals.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated March 1994, features an in-depth article titled "THE EASTERN CATAMOUNT (Felis concolor)" by Mark A. Hall. The article delves into the history, reported sightings, and the ongoing debate surrounding the presence of the puma, also known as the cougar or mountain lion, in the eastern parts of North America.

The Eastern Catamount: A Historical Perspective

The article begins by referencing Frederic Lucas's 1896 description of the puma from the U.S. National Museum, detailing its physical characteristics, extensive range from Patagonia to 60° N. latitude, and variations in size and color. It notes that the puma is generally a cowardly animal but dangerous when cornered, and that tales of its "blood-curdling scream" are largely apocryphal. Its diet includes deer and smaller animals, as well as prey like the aguti, capybara, and rhea in South America.

Early comprehensive works on the puma are cited, including Stanley Young and Edward Goldman's "The Puma, Mysterious American Cat," which became a standard treatment of the animal. Young described its history and habits, while Goldman focused on its geographic variation and subspecies. By 1946, Young noted that the puma was recorded at high altitudes and could "scream," but also stated that the animal was considered extinct in the eastern U.S.A., except for Florida, and was regarded as extinct east of the Mississippi River.

The Debate: Extinct or Persistent?

Despite the prevailing view of extinction, the article asserts that reports of the cat's continued presence in the East are a fact beyond dispute. It raises questions about the validity of these reports, their origins, and whether the puma ever truly left the East. The author points out that even in 1992, when Maurice Hornocker described the puma for National Geographic, the areas of "cougar country" were confined to the West and southern Florida, with recent sightings in the Appalachians noted as "unconfirmed."

Conversely, wildlife photographer Leonard Lee Rue III, in his "Furbearing Animals of North America" (1981), acknowledged their presence in Canada and New Brunswick, and indicated that states like Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama were places where pumas were found. Rue suggested that the cats, though extirpated, had returned to their old haunts. The Canadian Wildlife Federation also believes the panther is found in its eastern provinces, with a 1977 report estimating the eastern cougar population at around 100 individuals, half of them in central New Brunswick.

Regional Reports and Sightings

The article then systematically reviews reports of the eastern catamount by state and province. It notes that Young found scant record of the puma in New Brunswick, though a man was reportedly attacked in 1841. Bruce S. Wright disputed Young's view, publishing his own research on the survival of the puma in New Brunswick and gathering numerous puma encounters from 1904 to 1971, as well as reports from Nova Scotia, Quebec, and eastern states from Maine to Alabama.

Young and Goldman's work (Y&G) is referenced for information on various regions. For New Brunswick, Wright's book "The Eastern Panther: A Question of Survival" is highlighted, with reports from 1900 to 1971. The Mammals of Canada acknowledges a few individuals occurring in New Brunswick. In Maine, Y&G noted one killed in 1891, while Wright cited spotty reports from 1897 to 1965. Loren Coleman has been sending reports from the 1980s from Maine newspapers.

For New Hampshire, Y&G indicated cougar reports in 1902 and the 1920s. Vermont had "repeated reports of panthers seen and heard" into the 1930s, though some declared the last panther killed in 1881. C.B. Colby wrote of five past puma reports in Vermont and New Hampshire. Vermont Life asked "Has the Cat Come Back?" in 1992, with the Fish and Wildlife Department insisting that any cats found were released, escapees, or from distant populations. Recent reports in New Hampshire occurred in 1983 and 1991.

Massachusetts was considered extinct in the mid-19th century, but Y&G found a source citing a puma as late as January 1926. Bruce Wright cited accounts from that year to 1971, and reports from the 1980s placed the cat in the western part of the state and on Cape Cod. A letter to Yankee Magazine in 1974 mentioned five reports in a 20- to 30-square-mile area north of Bristol, Connecticut.

In Ontario, Y&G declared the cat extinct in 1908. However, in 1976, Gerald McKeating received 80 puma sightings over ten years, clustered in northwestern Ontario and east of Georgian Bay. In New York, Y&G stated the cat was gone after 1908, but reports surfaced in the 1970s and 1980s. Pennsylvania had no reported kills since 1891, but reports of cats at Reynoldsville in 1944 and Venago Township in 1967 are mentioned. Helen McGinnis guaranteed confidentiality for sources reporting many sightings and kills from 1891 to 1981.

West Virginia had cougars in 1910, with tracks reported in 1935 and 1936. The 1970s saw admissions of people seeing lions and tracks since at least 1968. In Virginia, the puma was declared extinct with the last record in 1880, though a cat was seen in Shenandoah National Park in 1944. Modern sightings in Virginia around Potts Mountain and the Peaks of Otter have been reported. For Maryland, Y&G concluded no species presence, but The Mammals of Maryland in 1969 noted reports in remote portions of the state despite its extinction. Reports in Maryland include sightings in Olney-Norbeck, Clarksburg, and near Frostburg. The District of Columbia had a puma hunt in 1983.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park had supposed mountain lion sightings from 1938 to 1967. The Carolinas had puma reports, but Y&G considered the cats gone in this century.

In Georgia, the puma was reported into the 1920s, with people still reporting them in the latter half of the century. Florida is recognized for the Florida panther, which is endangered and appears to have inbred with introduced cougars. Alabama had sheltered pumas into the 1920s, with later reports in 1950, 1976, 1983, and 1988. Mississippi reportedly has cats today in the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.

Tennessee had a panther sighting in 1937, and the last cat in Kentucky was killed in 1863. Illinois declared the cat "extremely doubtful" in 1912, and Indiana had "practically disappeared" by the 1850s, yet newspaper reports of cougars in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois from the 1940s into 1994 exist. Wisconsin had the cougar "still remains in the state" into 1939, with later reports labeled as escapees. Minnesota has seen an increasing number of cougar reports over recent decades. Iowa has seen mountain lions in the northern part of the state. North Dakota had "authentic reports of their presence" in recent years. The cougar is acknowledged to occur in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Missouri had its last cougar in 1887, but reports from the 1960s exist. Kansas had its last cougar killed in 1904, with suspicions since but not verified. Oklahoma had a pair reported in 1917. Arkansas has had reports, though records are hard to obtain.

Hoaxes and Challenges in Verification

The article acknowledges that hoaxes regarding mountain lions have occurred. Examples include a man in Elgin, Illinois, in 1969 who claimed to have captured a mountain lion, but it was a rental for display. Another hoax involved Earnest ("Wild Bill") White in Alabama, who claimed to have created cougar reports using a noisemaker and false tracks. A medical doctor in Virginia prior to 1971 reportedly purchased a puma to hoax a newspaper editor, claiming to have captured it from the wild.

The author notes a desire to dismiss reports from "unqualified" persons but observes that even reports from "qualified" individuals do not necessarily settle the issue. The presumption of extinction often outweighs testimony. The author intends to present the record of reports with their sources, mindful of hoaxes but emphasizing the need for proof for both positive and negative claims.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The eastern catamount appears to have been doing well if many of the century's reports are credited. The species is described as cautious and wise, keeping to rivers and wilder spaces, and remaining unseen most of the time. The author concludes that they seem never to have left the eastern parts of North America and, if left in peace, are likely to do well, having turned up even in New Jersey. The article suggests that both the puma and "American lions" (Panthera atrox) seem capable of surviving in the East in modern times, and calls for consideration on how best to study these stealthy and capable cats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this article is the persistent presence and debate surrounding the Eastern Catamount (Felis concolor) in North America, challenging the established narrative of its extinction in the eastern United States. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence for continued sightings and questioning the definitive pronouncements of extinction. It highlights the difficulties in verifying such reports due to hoaxes and the strong bias towards believing in extinction. The article advocates for a more thorough investigation and study of these elusive animals, suggesting they may have never truly disappeared from the eastern landscape.