Berja Council has reopened the Castala Park but the area is still being monitored due to signs of the presence of a large feline.
The park has been closed for nine days after several people, including the mayor, reported seeing what they thought could have been a Black Panther. Footprints have been analysed by Tabernas Zoo who are unable to confirm that the creature is a Black Panther and add that they could even be the prints of a Jaguar or other large feline.
Such animals can be privately kept in captivity provided the necessary permits are obtained.
Black Panthers are powerful felines who usually need two kilos of meat per day except for two days when they fast. They tend to hide away and only attack if starving and their priority is small animals. Many animals kept in captivity tend to lose some of their predatory instincts.