The exotic animal residents have reported seeing is likely a house cat, a local animal expert said.

Clark County sheriff’s deputies were called to the New Carlisle area Thursday for another report of a black panther sighting. The Springfield News-Sun got exclusive photos of the animal and sent them to exotic animal expert Tim Harrison.

“I was looking at what they consider a house cat. It could be a Maine Coon but it’s definitely not a black leopard,” said Harrison, director of Dayton’s Outreach for Animals.

The sheriff’s office has responded to dozens of calls, but have yet to spot the animal. German Twp. officers saw a large cat last week and a resident was able to take photographs. Harrison said this was also a house cat and likely the same animal people have been seeing.

“I would say the high percentage is that is what a lot of people spotted,” he said. “There is an illusion that comes off with a black cat when the sun hits it a certain way, it actually looks bigger than what it is.”

Residents weren’t surprised by the finding.

“Why aren’t there any pets missing? A panther would have to eat,” said Sandra Dock of Springfield.

Track marks found in the Dayton area were confirmed as being those of a large cat.

Because of the shyness of panthers and the barriers between there and Clark County, Harrison said there’s little chance that animal traveled here.

He said he believes there could be panthers in Ohio because “hundreds have been sold in the state.”

Anyone who spots an exotic animal should call his office at (937) 436-0727.