COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Cocoa Beach residents said they are surprised by a panther sighting in their neighborhood.
The animal was seen on Highway A-1-A and South 13th Street in Cocoa Beach.
The black panther was seen roaming around a lot over the weekend near the beach and several homes.
Neighbors said they've heard about the sighting.
Panthers are mainly seen near the Everglades and Collier County. The odd twist is that Florida panthers are not black, they are light-brown with a white underbelly.
Some Cocoa Beach residents said they’re uncertain it was a panther and do not seem too worried.
“We're in Florida. It's pretty wild here. Tropical paradise. We see the gators, the dolphins, the sharks all the time. Why not a panther? Adds to the fun,” said Paul Lynn.
Officials said Florida panthers could easily be confused with bobcats.
Panthers are close to 7 feet long, have round ears and no spots.
Bobcats are much smaller, have pointed ears and have spots on their legs.
A bobcat's track is the size of a golf ball, while a panther's track is the size of a baseball.
Neighbors said they hope the sighting is taken seriously.
“Especially with all the stuff going on in the news; the gator in Orlando and whatnot. I think if they have a confirmed sighting it would be in their best interest,” said Lynn.
Cox Media Group
