Video: The black tiger of Al-Baha resurfaces and sparks widespread controversy

An old video clip showing what is claimed to be a “black panther” in the mountains of the Al-Baha region has resurfaced, amid widespread interaction and questions about the authenticity of the clip.

Returning to the video, it turns out to be an old clip dating back to 2020, which had caused a great deal of controversy when it first appeared on social media.

A person films a black panther at the Wadi Dhark Dam in Al-Baha, southern Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/frtATQc2mX

— Iftirass | prey (@iftirass) June 7, 2026

At the time, the Saudi Wildlife Authority explained that the clip was unclear and did not allow for an accurate identification of the animal species, noting that the quality and angle of the camera played a role in exaggerating the scene.

Subsequent explanations also confirmed that the animal appearing in the video is not a black panther as had been circulated, but is more likely a domestic animal or a black cat, as the magnification and poor visibility created a misleading impression.

Despite the years that have passed since its publication, the video has resurfaced without its original context, reigniting the controversy surrounding it on social media platforms.

It is worth noting that such clips reappear frequently, and are often circulated outside their real-time context.