Over the years, I’ve followed numerous accounts of elusive wild cats reported across the Lone Star State—from the dense woods of East Texas to the brush country along the border. Every once in a while, though, a report surfaces that really makes me sit up and take notice. That’s exactly what happened recently in Seguin, Texas, where several locals have been sharing online accounts of an unusual, dark-colored feline roaming near neighborhoods and open land. They are saying it could be a jaguarundi.
The creature in question? Some are calling it a jaguarundi—a lesser-known wild cat species that once called South Texas home and is still rumored to persist in secluded areas. And to be fair, the descriptions match what we’d expect: long and sleek body, dark fur, and a tail that nearly matches the length of the body. It’s easy to understand why some would point to the jaguarundi.
Jaguarundis remain one of the planet’s most mysterious feline species. They’re compact but long, and at a glance, their shape and color could easily lead someone to label them a “black panther”—a term often misused in the region.
But before we jump to conclusions, let’s hit pause.
I’ve been researching these kinds of encounters for decades. While I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of eyewitnesses, I always advise people to take a measured approach. There hasn’t been a confirmed jaguarundi sighting in Texas in quite a while. Still, I believe there may be a few around. But there’s another possibility that deserves attention.
In my investigations, I use the phrase “black longtail” to describe a category of mysterious cats that many Texans refer to as “black panthers.” These animals aren’t melanistic leopards or jaguars, and they don’t fit the mold of ordinary domestic cats either. They’re something different. Over time, I’ve gathered dozens of credible reports describing these long-bodied, black felines that don’t fit neatly into any known species category.
So what was spotted in Seguin? Could it be a jaguarundi? Perhaps. But it could just as easily be one of these “black longtails.” There’s also the chance that a large, dark-colored hybrid cat or an escaped exotic is behind the sightings.
What we lack right now is hard evidence—no clear photos, no verifiable DNA. What we do have is a sighting that aligns closely with many I’ve come across before.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the jaguarundi mystery, I’ve examined the topic on my YouTube channel in this video:
▶️ Black Panthers In America: The Jaguarundi?
And for a broader look at the ongoing black cat enigma, check out this piece:
▶️ A Look At The Black Longtail
If you’re in the Seguin area and have witnessed anything similar—or better yet, have compelling photos or footage—I’d love to hear from you. These mystery cats continue to spark my curiosity, and every account adds another piece to the puzzle.