I can see just how soft that fur is. I had a cougar run by me when hunting once, about 15 feet away. It was as surprised to see me as I was it, I guess we were both really quiet. I had a loaded rifle in my hands and it paused a moment and looked at me before taking off again. My dad was pissed that I didn't shoot it, but I didn't see the point and it was a very beautiful cat. I think I won the first person wildlife lottery there.

You made the right decision to not shoot the panther.