Large cat in Chatfield Hollow

Joe writes:

Today my wife and I were hiking at Chatfield Hollow, in Killingworth, Connecticut. We had our two dogs with us. One of our dogs loves to chase the scent of deer. On an outer hiking trail, my dog ran off into the woods. Being unfamiliar with the terrain, and the dog being white, matching the color of the snow, I became fearful that she might become lost. I began chasing her. My wife stood on the trail looking for signs of her.

When I finally returned back with my dog, she asked if I saw the large animal, maybe 75 pounds or more, running dow a slop of the hill. She said it was black with a large tail, taking long strides.