Published in 1917, Henry W. Shoemaker’s book Extinct Pennsylvania Animals Parts I & II explores the history of the panther in Pennsylvania. The piece draws on old hunting stories and local folklore to glean an understanding of the panther’s physique and habits as well as their relationship with locals. One memorable story recounts a famous circle hunt that took place near Pittsburgh in 1760. Hundreds of animals were killed, including 41 panthers. Afterward, many of the hunters became known as the “Panther Boys,” who adorned themselves in panther skin jackets. They eventually abandoned their fur coats because Native Americans from the Erie Nation attacked them, believing them arrogant for their excessive slaughter. ‘Erie’ means ‘long tail’ in Iroquois, referring to the panther. The last known panther in Pennsylvania was killed in 1874, and the taxidermized remains are currently in storage at the PA State Museum.