I bet you thought our footy team was just called the Panthers to be cute, right? No! We have a legend right here in the mountains.
It is said that a big cat exists and is constantly seen by residents of the Blue Mountains area and has been for over a century. This big cat is more commonly known as the Blue Mountains panther, Old Blackie or the Lithgow panther.
It was first reported in 1926 in the Blue Mountains, and it was described as being jet black. The reports tell of bush walkers, land owners and tourists each with their own brush with a low slung, long tailed, box-faced, large, black, cat.
Theories suggest the animal may be a descendant of big cats released by World War II US soldiers, which had been used as military mascots, after they had been picked up in Africa while they’d been travelling. Alternatively, accounts of big cats released by travelling circuses, or which had escaped circuses, exist; as well as rumours that big cats were available for black market purchase in New South Wales in the 20th century.
Over 500 sightings in 20 years have been reported of the panther. In 2018, Grant Denyer and his wife, television producer Cheryl Rogers, reported to have sighted the cat on their property. Photographs have also been recorded in Gippsland and Hawkesbury. In 2002, a Kenthurst teenager Luke Walker was attacked by what he stated to be a large feline; he suffered deep lacerations. Sightings have been made by a NSW Police Force detective, an officer of the Department of Agriculture, and Rural Fire Service personnel, as well as pilots.
The Grose Vale Group, which has collected reports of sightings since 1998, claims it collects 20 to 30 sightings a year.
Before you ask, yes, there is a Facebook page for these sightings: https://www.facebook.com/blackpanthersaustralia/
Because of this legend, we decided our MMM26 mascot will be a panther and we’ve located a cute little plushie you can pre order for the event. Her name is Penny and she’s adorable.
https://beventi.co/orderform/mnyv34pcfb
Credit to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mountains_panther
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-13/could-the-lithgow-panther-actually-exist/9116232
Meet Me in the Mountains Book Signing 