An update on the mystery black felid photograph (see various enhancements on this page) reveals some new information, which, in context, makes much sense.

The picture was taken December 2005, according to the photographer’s letter shared with me last night by felid researcher Ben Willis. The photo was taken by a retired biology professor from a Georgia university, Dr. Edward Yeargers . Dr. Yeargers had seen the cat, which he identified as a black bobcat, “several times” in his yard. The location of his yard – Palm City, Florida. Palm City is located in Martin County, Florida.

The professor wrote, in part:

I was a biology professor at Georgia Tech for 30 years – I’m a close observer. This one was about 18″ tall when it sat on its haunches (much taller than a domestic cat), had pointed ears and a short tail. When it walked, its hind quarters were higher than its front. I have also seen bobcats with conventional coloring in my yard, so I know the habitat supports them. Unfortunately, the whole area is about to be cleared and developed.

Considering that Martin County, Florida, is the major location for melanistic bobcats in this country, the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fit together.

This is clearly a melanistic bobcat.

Other postings on this subject can be found here and here.