Almost hit one, in a rainstorm in Tennesee.
Nose to rump was nearly the width of my Ford Expedition.
And I had an all too close of a look at it.
When I lived at the farm, I heard one. I got chills. Not spooky chills, the ones you get from excitement. I was in awe. I have seen one cross the road not far from there, really neat. I think more have seen me than I have seen them.
But call the TN DNR and they will likely assure you there are no club are in TN.
The DNR in GA will tell you all day long no cougars or black panthers in GA but they are spotted all the time. Mr. GG2 saw one crossing a dirt road in AL while out hunting with his in laws. We had 2 juvenile black panthers walk down the street right past our house late one night. They make a cry that sounds like a baby crying. It woke me up and then the dog started barking. Mr GG2 looked out the window and watched them walk right past our driveway. At first he thought they were Bobcats but then spotted the long tails.