Underwater panthers were powerful creatures in the mythological traditions of some Native American tribes, particularly tribes of the Great Lakes region. In Ojibwe, the creature is sometimes called Mishibizhiw (“Mishipizhiw”, “Mishipizheu”, “Mishupishu”, “Mishepishu”), which translates as “Great Lynx,” or Gichi-anami’e-bizhiw (“Gitche-anahmi-bezheu”), which translates as “the fabulous night panther.” However, it is also commonly referred to as the “Great underground wildcat,” “Great under-water wildcat,” and sometimes as “copper cat.”

Water monsters appear in the mythology of most cultures, but in some Native American mythologies they tended to combine traits of wild cats such as the mountain lion, or in some cases the lynx, with those of snakes. The underwater panther was an amalgam of features from many animals: the horns of deer or bison; snake scales; bird feathers; the body and tail of a mountain lion; and parts from other animals as well, depending on the particular myth. Mishipizheu were said to live in the deepest parts of lakes and rivers. Some traditions believed the underwater panthers to be helpful, protective creatures, but more often they were viewed as malevolent beasts that brought death and misfortune.