LIVINGSTON, TX – In a classic case of mistaken identity, 67-year-old Leroy Jenkins reported to authorities that he had spotted a black panther roaming through the woods near his property in rural East Texas. After a thorough investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, it was determined that the elusive “panther” was, in fact, just his neighbor’s oversized black tomcat named Fluffy.

“I was out walking my dog, Biscuit, when I saw this big, black cat slinking through the trees,” Jenkins recounted. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. It looked just like one of them panthers you hear about on the news.”

Authorities were called to the scene to investigate the alleged panther sighting, only to discover that Fluffy had wandered off from his owner’s house a few streets over. The relieved owner, Martha Thompson, was surprised to receive a call from the Sheriff’s Department about her missing feline.

“I couldn’t believe it when they said Fluffy was mistaken for a panther,” Thompson stated. “He’s always been a bit of a troublemaker, but I never thought he would cause such a stir.”

Despite the humorous mix-up, Jenkins stands by his initial belief that he saw a black panther in the woods.

“I’ve lived in these parts all my life, and I know what I saw,” Jenkins affirmed. “Maybe Fluffy just has a wild side to him, who knows.”

In light of the recent incident, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents to keep a close eye on their pets to prevent any further cases of mistaken identity in the future.