‘Black panther’ video sparks internet frenzy

Astonishing video of a large black cat loping through a field has gone viral and sparked a social media frenzy over the identity of the mysterious animal.

Footage of a “large black cat” loping through a field near Ballarat has gone viral, sparking a social media frenzy as viewers work to identify the mysterious animal.

In a video posted to the Facebook page Gold Coins & Relics Australia on Monday, a large black panther-like animal can be seen running through a field past several large grain silos.

The video has since been circulated widely, baffling viewers across the country.

Footage of a mysterious black cat loping through a Ballarat field has gone viral. Picture: Supplied

Some excited commenters have speculated the animal is a black panther, while the more pragmatic minded claim it’s probably an oversized feral cat or the work of AI.

City of Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson OAM said the footage was “very interesting” and “will have locals talking”.

He said the country town of Maryborough, about 60km away, was allegedly home to a legendary “puma,” with the local news occasionally reporting sightings.

“(These have) never been substantiated though,” Mr Hudson said.

One commenter wrote: “Personally I think they are feral cats that mutate to survive”.

“Shit CGI. Stays the same size as it moves away,” a more sceptical commenter wrote.

Another posted: “Impressed how someone was so good with there (sic) camera skills to keep the black cat dead perfectly in line on screen the whole time”.

“I want to see it take down a cow before I believe the rumours,” wrote another.