Kids’ Corner: Do black panthers really exist?

Did you know that black panthers aren’t actually their own species of cat? Here’s some information about these felines that may surprise you.

A genetic mutation
The term black panther refers to any wildcat, such as a leopard, jaguar, or cougar, that has melanism. This condition occurs when big cats produce an excessive amount of melanin, a pigment that turns their fur and skin black. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice they aren’t completely black. These animals still have the typical markings of their species, which are masked but not eliminated by the excess of black pigment.

A practical characteristic
For some felines, a black coat can be an advantage when hunting. Melanism allows these wildcats to camouflage themselves in the jungle at night and surprise their prey. This type of pigmentation also helps wildcats avoid certain infections. Consequently, it’s not surprising that this trait continues to be passed down, making melanism a relatively common mutation.

In addition to big cats, several other animals can sometimes be affected by melanism, including wolves, dolphins, and alligators.