In the wake of recent reports of black panthers stalking through southern Rockland County, rumors are swirling that area celebrities, such as Bill Murray and Didi Conn, who played Frenchie in the movie Grease, may have owned the exotic creatures and then released them.

New York State Park Police, however, say no celebrities in the area own exotic pets.

The animals have been reported lurking in the Palisades and Snedens Landing sections of Tallman State Park, and despite the bizarre nature of the reports, Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner says they are being taken seriously.

Orangetown police, the DEC and park police are doing what they can to locate the supposed panthers. Warning signs have been posted at park trailheads, and park police have installed cameras in hopes of finding the beasts.