Panther, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Panther is a small, unincorporated community located in Greene Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, but is part of a larger township or county. Panther is known for its interesting history, especially how it got its name.
The Mystery of Panther's Name
Long ago, in the early days of Pennsylvania, people like trappers and loggers often visited a trading post near what is now called Canadensis. The community of Panther received its name because many animals thought to be "panthers" lived in the area.
What Kind of Panther?
The word "panther" can be a bit confusing, as it's used for several different big cats. Because of this, there are many theories about what animal truly gave Panther its name. Some people believe it could have been a Nittany Lion, which is a type of cougar or mountain lion. Other ideas include the puma, another name for a cougar, or even a bobcat. There's also a theory that it was an actual black eastern panther, a very rare type of leopard or jaguar with black fur.
Where are the Panthers Now?
Today, you won't find any wild "panthers" in the Panther area. The last time a mountain lion was seen in this region was in 1874. The very last wild panther known to have lived in Pennsylvania was seen in Berks County. This means the animals that gave Panther its name are no longer part of the local wildlife.
