"Panthers are a symbol of the feminine, the dark mother, the dark of the moon. It is a symbol of the feminine energies manifest upon the earth. It is often a symbol of darkness, death, and rebirth from out of it... This is the element of the feminine. This is the totem of greater assertion of feminine in all her aspects: child, virgin, seductress, mother, warrioress, seeress, and the old wise woman...awakens the inner passions...reflecting an awakening of the kundalini...the keynote of the Black Panther is Reclaiming One's True Power... The panther always brings guardian energy to those to whom it comes... The panther often signals a time of rebirth after a period of suffering and death on some level. This implies that an old issue may finally begin to be resolved, or even that old longstanding wounds will finally begin to heal, and with the healing will come a reclaiming of power that was lost at the time of wounding. Also, the Black Panther is very mystical, she finds the most power in darkness. Black Panther understands death and teaches people not to fear it, for out of death comes rebirth... To the Native peoples of North and South America, the jaguar especially in the form of the Black Panther, was endowed with great magic and power. The jaguar panther climbs, runs, and swims, even superior to that of the tiger. For the reason that it is capable of functioning so well in so many areas, it became the symbol of mastery over all dimensions... The panther marks a new turn in the heroic path of those to whom it comes. It truly reflects more than just coming into one's own power. Rather it reflects a reclaiming of that which was lost and an intimate connection with the great archetypal force behind it. It gives an ability to go beyond what has been imagined, with opportunity to do so with discipline and control. It is the spirit of imminent rebirth." http://theblackpaper.com/blog/about/the-meaning-of-the-black-panther
We were so amazed to have seen a panther, that we later investigated whether Arkansas claims to have panthers living in the state. I found this video from someone who swore he came across a black panther himself. He wrote "Are there black panthers in Arkansas? I have contacted the AR game & fish commission to see what they say? The AGFC (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) sent me a email and they said, Hi Douglas, no. Black panthers are not native to North America."