Scroll our downloadable and PDF printable panther coloring pages below.
Panthers are beautiful, strong, and mysterious. Wouldn’t it be cool to visit panthers in the wild and get to observe how they live? It is possible to become immersed in their world if only through the safe escape of coloring pages.
Growing up as an only child, I naturally spent a lot of my days getting lost in exploration. One of my favorite things to do was explore faraway places and learn about exotic animals. Lions and cheetahs were two of my favorite types of wild cats.
You and your child can visit the world of panthers through fun, engaging coloring pages and learn about their habitats in the process. There is so much to appreciate about big cats, so let’s dive in and learn about these magnificent, stoic creatures!
What is a Panther?
It’s a common misconception that a panther is a black cat. Did you know that the name panther is just a general term used to describe several types of unique big cats? Leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars are different types of panthers.
Some panthers aren’t entirely black as they may be dark brown, white, yellow, tan, or spotted. But a black panther or white panther, is a big cat that is completely black or completely white.
Coloring pages can help you learn about panthers or teach your child about them. Kids can learn why panthers have black fur by coloring a panther black, or learn why a spotted panther has spots, by creating the spotted pattern on the cat’s fur coat.
Why are Black Panthers Black?
Black panthers, typically jaguars or leopards, are completely black. The reason they are black has to do with having excess pigment, or color. The condition is known as melanism. Pigment is a natural compound found in animals and plants and is the stuff which makes a tiger appear bright orange or a flamingo appear bright pink.
Why are White Panthers White?
White panthers are typically cougars, jaguars, or leopards that are completely white. One explanation for white panthers’ all-white appearance is due to a condition known as albinism, the absence of pigment. Albinism is when an animal or plant lacks color and is a condition which causes an animal’s hair and skin to appear white.
Why Do Some Panthers Have Spots?
Leopards, jaguars, and cheetahs are panthers famous for their spots. A panther’s spots are called rosettes because of their rose-like shape, and they help a panther camouflage within its environment.
Spots help panthers look less noticeable because the spotted pattern easily blends into the background, especially behind tall blades of grass.
Where do Panthers Live?
Various types of panthers live all around the world. The type of panther you might encounter depends on what country you are in. However, most panthers are found in South America, Africa, Asia, and some parts of North America. You and your child can journey into a lush green rainforest or sandy desert and appreciate the panther through fun coloring pages-escape into a panther’s world right from your home!
Black panthers are usually found in tropical rainforests, where having a black coat is helpful. Dark-colored fur helps a black panther stay cool, nicely balancing its body temperature in hot climates. Additionally, black panthers may live atop trees in the rainforest. And a black coat is the perfect camouflage for hunting and hiding, making black panthers very difficult to spot, especially at night.
Cheetahs are primarily found in parts of Africa. Leopards are found throughout Asia and are extremely adaptable. Similarly, jaguars can be found in the Amazon of South America or in the deserts of Mexico. Jaguars have even been spotted in mountainous regions of the U.S.
