Wild-eyed mystery creature seen in southwest Florida ignites social media debate

A debate has erupted on social media over the nature of an odd creature photographed on public lands in Southwest Florida.

The South Florida Wildlands Association shared a “confusing photo” of the creature March 14, in hopes its 145,000 Facebook followers might help reach a consensus on the species.

“Looks a little bit wrong and a little bit right for a number of different species,” the foundation wrote in the post. “Anyone want to venture a guess?”

The post has racked up hundreds of reactions and comments, including references to legendary shape-shifters and the chupacabra, a vampire-like beast of legends said to have “glowing red eyes.”

The more intentional guesses included a panther, bobcat, dog, raccoon and the “elusive house cat.” However, others saw hints of something else, including a snout that appears “strange.”

“Trick of the light here, seemingly,” Kristin MacRone wrote. “Doesn’t have the head shape or markings for a bob cat, seems too dark to be a Florida panther. I want to say domestic cat but also seems too large judging by the grass height.”

Foundation officials initially suspected it was a feral cat, but then decided that’s highly unlikely due to an abundance of predators that feed on feral cats in the region.

“The appearance leans toward feral cat but the location is completely wrong,” the foundation wrote.

“The paws seem too small for a panther. Even panther kitten tracks (when they’re old enough to travel outside the den with mom) don’t get confused with bobcat tracks due to their large size. The muzzle is also a bit strange in this photo — from that by itself, seems like it could be canid or felid.”

An exact location for the photo was not provided, and the foundation said a size estimate is not available.

Trail cameras have the ability to take photos in secret, which prevents animals from “getting spooked,” the foundation noted. That means the animal might return to the same spot.

“Hopefully we’ll get a daytime shot of the same critter soon,” foundation officials said.

This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 7:28 AM with the headline "Wild-eyed mystery creature seen in southwest Florida ignites social media debate."