Not really my area but this kind of thing genuinely fascinates me. We get similar reports over here in the UK - "British Big Cats" they call them, supposed escaped exotic pets or zoo animals that bred in the wild. Never been properly proven but the sightings just keep coming decade after decade.
The Ozarks terrain would be perfect for something large staying hidden tbh, loads of cover and not that many people per square mile once you're off the main routes.
Third time in a month though - are we talking the same animal each time, roughly the same location? That would suggest a territory rather than a one-off. Would love to see any photos or even just a rough size comparison if you can manage it. People are notoriously bad at estimating size in the field, no offence, its just how our brains work under stress.
Anyone got trail cam footage from that area? That would settle it pretty quick.