How does Jimmy Lee scare away the panther?

In the context of the story, Jimmy Lee successfully scares away the panther using gunshots. The sound of gunfire is typically loud and startling, which can be effective in driving away wildlife that may pose a threat. Panthers, being wild animals, are often scared off by sudden, loud noises, which gunshots certainly provide. This method demonstrates a direct approach to dealing with dangerous situations involving wild animals, showcasing an understanding of how to manage threats in a rural or wilderness setting.

The other options, while potentially plausible in different scenarios, do not demonstrate the same level of effectiveness in scaring off a panther. For instance, using a flashlight may be useful for visibility or signaling, but it is unlikely to intimidate a large predator like a panther. Pretending to be larger might work with some animals, but it's a risky tactic against a panther, which would likely perceive this as unusual behavior rather than a deterrent. Utilizing a pet dog could be effective, but it also poses a risk to the pet and could escalate the situation rather than resolve it. Thus, gunshots are the most straightforward and impactful method employed by Jimmy Lee in this scenario.