Strange panther seen in Middlefield

As I was driving down Mack Road in Middlefield this morning at 7:10 a.m. (Sept. 14, 2011) toward Jackson Hill Road an animal ran across the road in front of my vehicle and it was like nothing I have ever seen. The best resemblance I can come up with is a black panther. It was the size of a medium to large dog but had the face of a cat (although more squarish) and a long fuzzy tubular tail. It was black in color except for some large mottled grayish spots. I got a good look at the animal and I am certain it was not a coyote, but I have no idea what it was.