The Westmoreland Gazette
9:00pm Tuesday 28th December 2010
By Scott Kirk » Reporter
A KENDAL postman believes he may have solved the mystery of the infamous big cat sighted around the South Lakesarea.
Richard Ward found a dead feral tom cat, weighing 18lbs, lying in the middle of the A65 between Kirkby Lonsdale and the M6.
The 51-year-old said people were slowing down to look at the body of the animal, which was ‘as big as a fox’.
“If that was running and someone was seeing it in the half-light, they could easily think it was the big cat,” said Mr Ward. “I was just amazed when I saw it.”
‘Big cats’ have been reported over the years at Beetham Caravan Park, the Winster Valley, Ings, Shap, The Helm, Kendal and most recently at Yealand Conyers.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Big Cats are said to roam the United Kingdom and Ireland even now as you are sitting and reading this. People from all walks of life encounter these mysterious felines on a daily basis in every nook and cranny of these two countries. Most are jet-black, some are white, some are brown, in fact big cats of every description and colour are seen by some unsuspecting person while on his or her daily business. We are the largest and most active group in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Can big cat be caught on film?
The Fenland Citizen
Published on Tuesday 30th November 2010 3:09 PM
A WISBECH couple are hoping someone will come forward and help them catch footage of the mysterious Fenland big cat in action.
In the last week alone, the pensioners who live off Redmoor Lane have lost a guinea fowl, a cockerel and a black bantam. The guinea fowl was killed inside its pen, through the chicken wire, and half-eaten.
The woman, who does not want to be named, said there were lots of large paw prints left in the snow and they could clearly see where the animal had been.
“The prints were large,” she said, “much bigger than a cat. It wasn’t a fox either, or a dog. I grew up on a farm and I know fox prints. Whatever it is, it’s been keeping the foxes away.”
The animal has been frequenting their property so much, the lady and her husband are getting afraid to be in their own home.
They would love to have someone set up cameras to catch the culprit in the act and get solid proof.
In Manea, Yvonne and George Potter spotted what they have described as a “panther” in a field at the bottom of their garden in Station Road.
Yvonne first saw the animal at around 9.30am on Sunday, November 14, when she was in her kitchen, which faces the garden.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said. “I wondered at first if it was a dog. It was crawling along the ground, low down, like it was stalking something.
“It was an absolutely beautiful animal, much larger than a dog. It was very muscly and a blue black colour. It had a small head and a long black tail.”
After sighting the animal, about 250 feet away from the house, Yvonne called her husband, who went down the garden to have a look after the creature disappeared.
He didn’t see anything, but when he got back to the house, they spotted the “panther” again, walking back the way it had come from.
Yvonne said: “There are some chickens over there, so I wonder if it fancied a nice chicken lunch!”
Yvonne and George’s description matches several other alleged sightings of the Fenland big cat, but differs from the most recent sighting from March resident Kieran Chatten. He believes he saw a leopard or lynx when driving to work on Monday, November 22.
If you have camera equipment and can help the Wisbech couple, contact the newsdesk on 01945-586138.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Published on Tuesday 30th November 2010 3:09 PM
A WISBECH couple are hoping someone will come forward and help them catch footage of the mysterious Fenland big cat in action.
In the last week alone, the pensioners who live off Redmoor Lane have lost a guinea fowl, a cockerel and a black bantam. The guinea fowl was killed inside its pen, through the chicken wire, and half-eaten.
The woman, who does not want to be named, said there were lots of large paw prints left in the snow and they could clearly see where the animal had been.
“The prints were large,” she said, “much bigger than a cat. It wasn’t a fox either, or a dog. I grew up on a farm and I know fox prints. Whatever it is, it’s been keeping the foxes away.”
The animal has been frequenting their property so much, the lady and her husband are getting afraid to be in their own home.
They would love to have someone set up cameras to catch the culprit in the act and get solid proof.
In Manea, Yvonne and George Potter spotted what they have described as a “panther” in a field at the bottom of their garden in Station Road.
Yvonne first saw the animal at around 9.30am on Sunday, November 14, when she was in her kitchen, which faces the garden.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she said. “I wondered at first if it was a dog. It was crawling along the ground, low down, like it was stalking something.
“It was an absolutely beautiful animal, much larger than a dog. It was very muscly and a blue black colour. It had a small head and a long black tail.”
After sighting the animal, about 250 feet away from the house, Yvonne called her husband, who went down the garden to have a look after the creature disappeared.
He didn’t see anything, but when he got back to the house, they spotted the “panther” again, walking back the way it had come from.
Yvonne said: “There are some chickens over there, so I wonder if it fancied a nice chicken lunch!”
Yvonne and George’s description matches several other alleged sightings of the Fenland big cat, but differs from the most recent sighting from March resident Kieran Chatten. He believes he saw a leopard or lynx when driving to work on Monday, November 22.
If you have camera equipment and can help the Wisbech couple, contact the newsdesk on 01945-586138.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Friday, 24 December 2010
Pembrokeshire big cat spotted in Crundale
10:54am Thursday 23rd December 2010 The Western Telegraph
An eight-year-old girl had a close encounter with a big cat near her home in Pembrokeshire.
Jemma Jones was ‘spooked’ by the encounter, in which the large animal stared directly at her while she was in the garden of her home, her father said.
The incident, on the outskirts of Crundale, was reported to police, who told the family that they had also recently received a big cat sighting two miles away.
The encounter took place four weeks ago, at around the same time as farmer Malcolm MacPhee told the Western Telegraph that he believed a sheep kill on his land at Princes Gate was the work of a big cat.
A large prowling feline has been seen in the area on a number of occasions.
And following the Western Telegraph’s story, several people have come forward with their own big cat sightings.
Jemma’s dad, Sid Jones, a 47-year-old builder, was inside the house when he heard his daughter shouting to him: ‘Dad, there’s a massive cat.’ The family’s home at Tulip Hill backs on to fields, and Mr Jones went into the garden to catch sight of the animal going over a low hedge some 50 yards away.
“It was a big cat, there is no doubt about it,” said Mr Jones.
“I only saw its back end, but noticed its tail which was dropped and circular.”
Jemma told her father that the big cat had stared her straight in the face and had ‘greeny-yellow’ eyes.
“We’ve got a wire-haired pointer dog, and she said that the cat stood taller than him,” he added.
“Jemma is very switched-on and knows a lot about wildlife and nature. But she came in crying saying that the cat had spooked her, and she still talks about it.”
Send details of your big cat sightings to us by email at wtnews@westerntelegraph.co.uk.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
An eight-year-old girl had a close encounter with a big cat near her home in Pembrokeshire.
Jemma Jones was ‘spooked’ by the encounter, in which the large animal stared directly at her while she was in the garden of her home, her father said.
The incident, on the outskirts of Crundale, was reported to police, who told the family that they had also recently received a big cat sighting two miles away.
The encounter took place four weeks ago, at around the same time as farmer Malcolm MacPhee told the Western Telegraph that he believed a sheep kill on his land at Princes Gate was the work of a big cat.
A large prowling feline has been seen in the area on a number of occasions.
And following the Western Telegraph’s story, several people have come forward with their own big cat sightings.
Jemma’s dad, Sid Jones, a 47-year-old builder, was inside the house when he heard his daughter shouting to him: ‘Dad, there’s a massive cat.’ The family’s home at Tulip Hill backs on to fields, and Mr Jones went into the garden to catch sight of the animal going over a low hedge some 50 yards away.
“It was a big cat, there is no doubt about it,” said Mr Jones.
“I only saw its back end, but noticed its tail which was dropped and circular.”
Jemma told her father that the big cat had stared her straight in the face and had ‘greeny-yellow’ eyes.
“We’ve got a wire-haired pointer dog, and she said that the cat stood taller than him,” he added.
“Jemma is very switched-on and knows a lot about wildlife and nature. But she came in crying saying that the cat had spooked her, and she still talks about it.”
Send details of your big cat sightings to us by email at wtnews@westerntelegraph.co.uk.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Third big cat sighting in as many months
The Melton Times
Published on Tuesday 21st December 2010 07:20 AM
ANOTHER big cat sighting has been recorded near Somerby where a motorist reported seeing a panther-like creature crossing the road just 5m in front of his car at the Knossington turn.
The sighting follows reports of a female and cub near Wymondham at the end of November and in the vicinity of Gates Nursery in Cold Overton in October.
Nigel Spencer, of Big Cats in Britain and Rutland and Leicestershire Panther Watch, said: “The latest sighting is from a very credible witness. He said the animal was as tall as an Irish Wolfhound and very long with a huge tail.
“If the animal is out in the open it will be difficult for it to take cover in the snow and we have a greater chance of getting prints.”
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Published on Tuesday 21st December 2010 07:20 AM
ANOTHER big cat sighting has been recorded near Somerby where a motorist reported seeing a panther-like creature crossing the road just 5m in front of his car at the Knossington turn.
The sighting follows reports of a female and cub near Wymondham at the end of November and in the vicinity of Gates Nursery in Cold Overton in October.
Nigel Spencer, of Big Cats in Britain and Rutland and Leicestershire Panther Watch, said: “The latest sighting is from a very credible witness. He said the animal was as tall as an Irish Wolfhound and very long with a huge tail.
“If the animal is out in the open it will be difficult for it to take cover in the snow and we have a greater chance of getting prints.”
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Big cat on prowl in Fort!
By Stuart Taylor Published: 16 December, 2010
Lochaber News
PARS have been replaced by purrs and bogeys by moggies at Fort William Golf Club, after a series of "big cat" sightings on the fairways and greens.
The mystery animal has been spotted several times in the last fortnight by members, the club steward and greenkeepers.
Its paw prints have also been discovered in some of the bunkers on the scenic 18-hole course which nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis on the outskirts of town.
It is thought the recent heavy snow may have forced the animal down the slopes to forage for food, with club members noting a coincidental disappearance of hares which are usually spotted in twos and threes at every hole at this time of year.
Greenkeeper Michael Lopez found the paw marks in a bunker and then spotted the animal from distance as it ran across the large car park near the clubhouse.
"I was a good bit away but it was definitely a big cat," said Mr Lopez, of Caol. "It's a bit of a mystery but I do believe there's a good possibility that something's out there."
Within days of Mr Lopez's sighting, the animal was seen by club steward James Duncan.
He told the Lochaber News: "I first saw it bounding across the car park. It disappeared under the bridge which carries the railway line across, and ran on to the course.
"It was a dark brown/black colour, with a long tail. The tail was the same length as its body. It was about 18 inches to two feet tall off the ground.
"We've had dogs running about on the course before but this was certainly not a dog - or a fox, a deer or a pine martin. Someone has mentioned European lynx but I'm not even sure what that would look like.
"I'm very open-minded on these things and I'm certain it was a big cat.
"There have now been individual sightings by three or four different people."
Mr Duncan added: "My brother Rusty came up early one morning and spotted it near some sheds and disturbed it.
"He reached for his phone - but instead of taking a picture, he rang me to tell me what he had just seen."
With the playing season over for the club's 300 members, Mr Duncan said the animal may be taking advantage of the lack of human activity on the fairways and greens - and may also have a ready supply of food.
Mr Duncan said: "We've always had a lot of hares, not rabbits, round the course but suddenly we're not seeing any at all.
"It has really got us wondering. Normally there are two or three hares at every hole, especially at this time of year."
Last month, the Lochaber News revealed how a team of paranormal sleuths had been spooked by a mystery animal encounter near Old Inverlochy Castle in Fort William.
They described how two "menacing" tail-less beasts ran across their path next to the Black Parks sports pitch.
In recent years "big cat" sightings have been recorded at Lochyside, Fort William and Arisaig.
s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Lochaber News
PARS have been replaced by purrs and bogeys by moggies at Fort William Golf Club, after a series of "big cat" sightings on the fairways and greens.
The mystery animal has been spotted several times in the last fortnight by members, the club steward and greenkeepers.
Its paw prints have also been discovered in some of the bunkers on the scenic 18-hole course which nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis on the outskirts of town.
It is thought the recent heavy snow may have forced the animal down the slopes to forage for food, with club members noting a coincidental disappearance of hares which are usually spotted in twos and threes at every hole at this time of year.
Greenkeeper Michael Lopez found the paw marks in a bunker and then spotted the animal from distance as it ran across the large car park near the clubhouse.
"I was a good bit away but it was definitely a big cat," said Mr Lopez, of Caol. "It's a bit of a mystery but I do believe there's a good possibility that something's out there."
Within days of Mr Lopez's sighting, the animal was seen by club steward James Duncan.
He told the Lochaber News: "I first saw it bounding across the car park. It disappeared under the bridge which carries the railway line across, and ran on to the course.
"It was a dark brown/black colour, with a long tail. The tail was the same length as its body. It was about 18 inches to two feet tall off the ground.
"We've had dogs running about on the course before but this was certainly not a dog - or a fox, a deer or a pine martin. Someone has mentioned European lynx but I'm not even sure what that would look like.
"I'm very open-minded on these things and I'm certain it was a big cat.
"There have now been individual sightings by three or four different people."
Mr Duncan added: "My brother Rusty came up early one morning and spotted it near some sheds and disturbed it.
"He reached for his phone - but instead of taking a picture, he rang me to tell me what he had just seen."
With the playing season over for the club's 300 members, Mr Duncan said the animal may be taking advantage of the lack of human activity on the fairways and greens - and may also have a ready supply of food.
Mr Duncan said: "We've always had a lot of hares, not rabbits, round the course but suddenly we're not seeing any at all.
"It has really got us wondering. Normally there are two or three hares at every hole, especially at this time of year."
Last month, the Lochaber News revealed how a team of paranormal sleuths had been spooked by a mystery animal encounter near Old Inverlochy Castle in Fort William.
They described how two "menacing" tail-less beasts ran across their path next to the Black Parks sports pitch.
In recent years "big cat" sightings have been recorded at Lochyside, Fort William and Arisaig.
s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
RESIDENT CLAIMS TO HAVE SOLVED BIG CAT MYSTERY
Arbroath Herald
Published on Wed Dec 16 10:40:45 GMT 2009
A RESIDENT who lives near to Hercules Den says he might have solved the mystery surrounding the Kirkton cat.
Earlier in the year, the Herald was inundated with sightings of a large puma or panther like creature that had been on the prowl in the woods around Kirkton.
However the reader, who does not want to be named, has come up with his own theory about what people are seeing.
He said: "Where I live you can see quite a bit of wildlife, which I think comes from Condor and on Wednesday morning I saw a jet black deer just outside my garden but I didn't have my camera with me.
"There was no mistake that it was a deer, as I think they are now getting braver and are starting to come out of the undergrowth and bushes.
"After I saw it I did some research on the Internet and there are such things as black deer so this could be what these sightings were of."
The man also claims the theory that it is a deer can be backed up by the fact that no livestock from farms has been reported as missing or killed.
He continued: "In reality if there were big cats in this part of Angus, there would be an abundance of dead sheep because if the cat was hungry it would need to eat.
"I have never heard of any farmers having any issues like that with livestock. I think if it was a cat we would have found a carcass by now.
"There is no other factual evidence that it is a big cat so my theory is that it could be a black deer.
"There are loads of deer up by Condor and I counted 15 when I was driving past there one day so it could be possible."
Roe deer are common throughout Scotland and occasionally can be black or brown in colour during the winter months.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Published on Wed Dec 16 10:40:45 GMT 2009
A RESIDENT who lives near to Hercules Den says he might have solved the mystery surrounding the Kirkton cat.
Earlier in the year, the Herald was inundated with sightings of a large puma or panther like creature that had been on the prowl in the woods around Kirkton.
However the reader, who does not want to be named, has come up with his own theory about what people are seeing.
He said: "Where I live you can see quite a bit of wildlife, which I think comes from Condor and on Wednesday morning I saw a jet black deer just outside my garden but I didn't have my camera with me.
"There was no mistake that it was a deer, as I think they are now getting braver and are starting to come out of the undergrowth and bushes.
"After I saw it I did some research on the Internet and there are such things as black deer so this could be what these sightings were of."
The man also claims the theory that it is a deer can be backed up by the fact that no livestock from farms has been reported as missing or killed.
He continued: "In reality if there were big cats in this part of Angus, there would be an abundance of dead sheep because if the cat was hungry it would need to eat.
"I have never heard of any farmers having any issues like that with livestock. I think if it was a cat we would have found a carcass by now.
"There is no other factual evidence that it is a big cat so my theory is that it could be a black deer.
"There are loads of deer up by Condor and I counted 15 when I was driving past there one day so it could be possible."
Roe deer are common throughout Scotland and occasionally can be black or brown in colour during the winter months.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Councillor came face to face with 'big cat' roaming Holderness
Friday, December 10, 2010, 07:00 Hull Daily Mail
An East Riding councillor says he now believes stories about a wild black panther roaming loose in Holderness after coming face-to-face with the animal.
Councillor Richard Stead said: "I used to think it was a joke, but I have now seen it twice.
"It frightened the life out of me when I saw it up close."
There have been a number of big cat sightings across the area in recent years.
Have you seen a big cat in Holderness? Comment below or on our Facebook page.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
An East Riding councillor says he now believes stories about a wild black panther roaming loose in Holderness after coming face-to-face with the animal.
Councillor Richard Stead said: "I used to think it was a joke, but I have now seen it twice.
"It frightened the life out of me when I saw it up close."
There have been a number of big cat sightings across the area in recent years.
Have you seen a big cat in Holderness? Comment below or on our Facebook page.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
‘I came face to face with big cat’
Dec 10, 2010 Teesdale Mercury
A WALKER says he came face to face with a big cat shortly after finding a sheep’s mutilated carcass.
The man says he saw the big cat after he found the sheep in a field near Bildershaw – more than 20 miles from a similar gruesome discovery.
Last month, the Mercury reported how a sheep was found stripped of its flesh near Kirby Hill and that police believe the evidence suggests a big cat could be responsible.
Concerns have been growing that a beast is prowling the area.
A couple were walking their dogs at about 8.40am on land south west of Bildershaw on Friday.
They found the carcass of a sheep that had been stripped to the bone.
The pair said they then watched for about a minute as a big black cat made its way across a field.
“We were out walking the dog and saw some birds scatter, and then saw a big jet-black cat, with a long tail, walking across the field,” said the husband, who asked not to be named.
“It looked back at us twice before it went away into the woods. I was a sceptic this morning but now after seeing it with my own eyes, I’m definitely a believer.”
He described the creature as a long, sleek cat and about the size of a Labrador.
“But it definitely was not a dog, the way it moved was different – it was a cat,” he said. “I read the reports in the paper about the big cat and it sounds like exactly the same thing. I’ve lived in the country long enough and I know what I saw.”
Like the carcass found in North Yorkshire, the sheep near Bildershaw had been stripped to the bone – all that remained was its head, spine, ribs and legs.
Marks in the snow showed that it had been dragged for several yards over the field.
Stories have been circulating for years that a panther, puma or lynx is prowling the countryside in North Yorkshire and County Durham.
Experts have suggested that a single big cat could be to blame for the recent sheep attacks.
Cheryl Hudson, of Big Cats in Britain, said: “It's not unusual for them to travel 5 0r 7 miles a night. They’re solitary predators.”
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
A WALKER says he came face to face with a big cat shortly after finding a sheep’s mutilated carcass.
The man says he saw the big cat after he found the sheep in a field near Bildershaw – more than 20 miles from a similar gruesome discovery.
Last month, the Mercury reported how a sheep was found stripped of its flesh near Kirby Hill and that police believe the evidence suggests a big cat could be responsible.
Concerns have been growing that a beast is prowling the area.
A couple were walking their dogs at about 8.40am on land south west of Bildershaw on Friday.
They found the carcass of a sheep that had been stripped to the bone.
The pair said they then watched for about a minute as a big black cat made its way across a field.
“We were out walking the dog and saw some birds scatter, and then saw a big jet-black cat, with a long tail, walking across the field,” said the husband, who asked not to be named.
“It looked back at us twice before it went away into the woods. I was a sceptic this morning but now after seeing it with my own eyes, I’m definitely a believer.”
He described the creature as a long, sleek cat and about the size of a Labrador.
“But it definitely was not a dog, the way it moved was different – it was a cat,” he said. “I read the reports in the paper about the big cat and it sounds like exactly the same thing. I’ve lived in the country long enough and I know what I saw.”
Like the carcass found in North Yorkshire, the sheep near Bildershaw had been stripped to the bone – all that remained was its head, spine, ribs and legs.
Marks in the snow showed that it had been dragged for several yards over the field.
Stories have been circulating for years that a panther, puma or lynx is prowling the countryside in North Yorkshire and County Durham.
Experts have suggested that a single big cat could be to blame for the recent sheep attacks.
Cheryl Hudson, of Big Cats in Britain, said: “It's not unusual for them to travel 5 0r 7 miles a night. They’re solitary predators.”
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Big pawprints spotted in Great Harwood garden
11:28am Thursday 9th December 2010 Lancashire Telegraph
By Nazia Parveen » Reporter
LARGE mysterious pawprints found in the back garden of a couple’s home have renewed fears there is a big wild cat on the prowl in East Lancashire.
Donald Woodhouse spotted the prints - measuring more than four inches - in the back garden of his house in Great Harwood.
Mr Woodhouse, who lives with his wife Irene, said an animal had left a number of paw prints, with an especially clear one frozen in the snow on the patio of his house in Westcliffe.
He said: “You don't often see such large prints and we have no idea what could have made them.
"We have never seen anything like this before and we were quite surprised.”
Around 12 paw prints have been left all over the back garden, which is on two levels and stretches back for around 20 yards.
Irene said: “It is very close to the house and we can't understand what type of animal it would belong to.
“It's not a stray dog or a normal cat, it's something a lot bigger. Maybe it's the Bodmin Beast."
The British Big Cat Society claim that people released large, exotic cats into the wild in the late 1970s, early 1980s, which could explain sightings.
There have been several sightings of wild cats in East Lancashire.
In Rossendale, there were numerous sightings last year of a beast resembling a black puma, with farmers even claiming it had killed their animals.
This was also seen in Baxenden just over the Hyndburn border with Rossendale.
The ‘Padiham Panther’ was reported around the area in the mid 1990s and in 2007.
In Hoddlesden a pale brown creature with a white, spotted face and a dark ringed tail was spotted a couple of years ago.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
By Nazia Parveen » Reporter
Donald Woodhouse spotted the prints - measuring more than four inches - in the back garden of his house in Great Harwood.
Mr Woodhouse, who lives with his wife Irene, said an animal had left a number of paw prints, with an especially clear one frozen in the snow on the patio of his house in Westcliffe.
He said: “You don't often see such large prints and we have no idea what could have made them.
"We have never seen anything like this before and we were quite surprised.”
Around 12 paw prints have been left all over the back garden, which is on two levels and stretches back for around 20 yards.
Irene said: “It is very close to the house and we can't understand what type of animal it would belong to.
“It's not a stray dog or a normal cat, it's something a lot bigger. Maybe it's the Bodmin Beast."
The British Big Cat Society claim that people released large, exotic cats into the wild in the late 1970s, early 1980s, which could explain sightings.
There have been several sightings of wild cats in East Lancashire.
In Rossendale, there were numerous sightings last year of a beast resembling a black puma, with farmers even claiming it had killed their animals.
This was also seen in Baxenden just over the Hyndburn border with Rossendale.
The ‘Padiham Panther’ was reported around the area in the mid 1990s and in 2007.
In Hoddlesden a pale brown creature with a white, spotted face and a dark ringed tail was spotted a couple of years ago.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Wild Beast of Westcotes leaves pet owner in a flap
(Source: Leicester Mercury - 7th December 2010)
Drusilla the cat looks out of the remains of her cat flap and the back door after an animal tried to get inside the house
By tom mack
Many cat owners worry about what their pet might bring back through the cat flap.
But few would expect to come downstairs to find it missing entirely.
That was the sight which greeted Sue Barton in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 53-year-old, who owns seven cats, thinks a fox was responsible for the damage.
A nailed-on cat-flap was removed, a length of wood from the bottom of the wooden door was pulled off and the paintwork was scratched.
Fortunately, none of Sue's pets were injured in the incident, on Saturday night.
Sue thinks an animal was probably lured by the smell of cat food.
Sue, who lives in Westcotes, Leicester, with her son, Max, 26, said: "There are foxes around here and Max and I have seen them attacking kittens before.
"Two years ago one of our adult female cats was found with its head missing and I had a kitten disappear as well. Since then I've always shut the cats in at night.
"I got out of bed in the early hours of Sunday morning and went downstairs and found the damage done.
"I'd heard noises and assumed it was the cats but then I saw the cat flap was gone and I was really taken aback.
"It was only the next morning that I actually went outside and saw the scratch marks in the daylight and it was astounding.
"We've been joking about it being The Wild Beast of Westcotes."
Chris Mullins, of Loughborough, runs Beastwatch UK, a group that collects sightings and reports of unusual animals.
He said the damage was probably caused by a fox or a badger, adding: "The cold has probably caused this animal to try to get inside because of the scarcity of food.
"My guess is that it either smelled food inside or was after a cat.
"All wild animals, including foxes and birds, become much more daring in cold weather.
"Another predatory animal that would be quite capable of doing this sort of damage would be a badger. Badgers are becoming more urbanised and are rife in many cities.
"A badger would most definitely be going for the cat, although the scratch marks would probably be more visible if it was a badger."
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
By tom mack
Many cat owners worry about what their pet might bring back through the cat flap.
But few would expect to come downstairs to find it missing entirely.
That was the sight which greeted Sue Barton in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 53-year-old, who owns seven cats, thinks a fox was responsible for the damage.
A nailed-on cat-flap was removed, a length of wood from the bottom of the wooden door was pulled off and the paintwork was scratched.
Fortunately, none of Sue's pets were injured in the incident, on Saturday night.
Sue thinks an animal was probably lured by the smell of cat food.
Sue, who lives in Westcotes, Leicester, with her son, Max, 26, said: "There are foxes around here and Max and I have seen them attacking kittens before.
"Two years ago one of our adult female cats was found with its head missing and I had a kitten disappear as well. Since then I've always shut the cats in at night.
"I got out of bed in the early hours of Sunday morning and went downstairs and found the damage done.
"I'd heard noises and assumed it was the cats but then I saw the cat flap was gone and I was really taken aback.
"It was only the next morning that I actually went outside and saw the scratch marks in the daylight and it was astounding.
"We've been joking about it being The Wild Beast of Westcotes."
Chris Mullins, of Loughborough, runs Beastwatch UK, a group that collects sightings and reports of unusual animals.
He said the damage was probably caused by a fox or a badger, adding: "The cold has probably caused this animal to try to get inside because of the scarcity of food.
"My guess is that it either smelled food inside or was after a cat.
"All wild animals, including foxes and birds, become much more daring in cold weather.
"Another predatory animal that would be quite capable of doing this sort of damage would be a badger. Badgers are becoming more urbanised and are rife in many cities.
"A badger would most definitely be going for the cat, although the scratch marks would probably be more visible if it was a badger."
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Sheep slaughter prompts fresh ‘big cat’ worries
The Northern Echo
10:55am Thursday 2nd December 2010
By Vicki Henderson
POLICE are carrying out DNA tests on the carcasses of two sheep after fears they may have been savaged by a big cat.
Officers were called to the scene after the sheep bore the marks of an attack by a large creature.
They had been stripped to the bone and wildlife officers from the North Yorkshire Police are now liaising with experts from the Big Cats Society to determine if a large cat is responsible.
The carcasses were found at Buddle House Farm, near Kirby Hill, Richmond.
A spokesman for the force confirmed DNA samples have been taken from the bones to determine what kind of creature has killed the animals.
The findings will add to speculation about the so-called Durham Puma, which is said to have been prowling around Weardale and the Yorkshire Dales for several years.
Big cat enthusiasts claim a number of cats, including pumas, panthers and lynxes, were released or escaped from private zoos in the Seventies and continue to roam around the countryside.
Mark Rasbeary, wildlife officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: “There have been a number of incidents over the years, but there has never been any definitive proof that there is a big cat out there.”
A farmer from Ravensworth, a village close to the site of the Kirby Hill attack, also reported that a number of his sheep were attacked several weeks ago. Police were unable to confirm the report at the time.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, said the public have nothing to fear from any big cat that might be roaming the countryside.
He said: “These animals can travel a wide area, and by their nature, they are very secretive and can hide themselves away.
“If someone did come across a big cat, there’s nothing to say they would be a threat – the animal would probably run away.”
However, he said farmers should keep an eye on their livestock.
The latest reports are not the first time a big cat has been reported in North Yorkshire. In 1995, police in Malton opened a file on the so-called Beast Of Ryedale, when a cream puma-type animal was spotted.
In May 2006, an image was captured by a dog-walker as he strolled in a field near the A19 at Osgodby, near Selby, showing a black panther-like creature.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
10:55am Thursday 2nd December 2010
By Vicki Henderson
POLICE are carrying out DNA tests on the carcasses of two sheep after fears they may have been savaged by a big cat.
Officers were called to the scene after the sheep bore the marks of an attack by a large creature.
They had been stripped to the bone and wildlife officers from the North Yorkshire Police are now liaising with experts from the Big Cats Society to determine if a large cat is responsible.
The carcasses were found at Buddle House Farm, near Kirby Hill, Richmond.
A spokesman for the force confirmed DNA samples have been taken from the bones to determine what kind of creature has killed the animals.
The findings will add to speculation about the so-called Durham Puma, which is said to have been prowling around Weardale and the Yorkshire Dales for several years.
Big cat enthusiasts claim a number of cats, including pumas, panthers and lynxes, were released or escaped from private zoos in the Seventies and continue to roam around the countryside.
Mark Rasbeary, wildlife officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: “There have been a number of incidents over the years, but there has never been any definitive proof that there is a big cat out there.”
A farmer from Ravensworth, a village close to the site of the Kirby Hill attack, also reported that a number of his sheep were attacked several weeks ago. Police were unable to confirm the report at the time.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, said the public have nothing to fear from any big cat that might be roaming the countryside.
He said: “These animals can travel a wide area, and by their nature, they are very secretive and can hide themselves away.
“If someone did come across a big cat, there’s nothing to say they would be a threat – the animal would probably run away.”
However, he said farmers should keep an eye on their livestock.
The latest reports are not the first time a big cat has been reported in North Yorkshire. In 1995, police in Malton opened a file on the so-called Beast Of Ryedale, when a cream puma-type animal was spotted.
In May 2006, an image was captured by a dog-walker as he strolled in a field near the A19 at Osgodby, near Selby, showing a black panther-like creature.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
North Yorkshire big cat fears after sheep is savaged
The Press
8:24am Wednesday 1st December 2010
By Jennifer Bell
Crime reporter
A BIG cat is feared to be on the prowl in North Yorkshire after a sheep was savaged and killed. If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed the evidence suggests a panther-like creature could be responsible for the attack near Ravensworth, Richmond.
All that was left of the sheep was its skeleton. Flesh had been stripped from the remains of the sheep and wildlife officers from the North Yorkshire force have been liaising with experts from the Big Cats Society.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer for North Yorkshire Police, said: “The evidence seems to fit with a possible big cat attack.”
The cat could be the same one spotted earlier in the year on Ilkley Moor. It is feared the animal may have roamed 40 miles north in search of food. Another sheep carcass was found at Whashton, near Kirby Hill, last week.
Mark Fraser, of Big Cats in Britain, believes the cat could be a black leopard, which can be more than seven feet long.
It is not the first time a “big cat” has thought to have roamed in North Yorkshire. There have been reports of big cats on the A1237 York outer ring road, near the A19 and A64.
In 1995, police in Malton even opened a file on the so-called Beast Of Ryedale, when a cream-colored puma-type animal was spotted. In May 2006, an image was captured by a dog-walker as he strolled in a field near the A19 at Osgodby showing a black panther-like creature.
A month later there were two sightings of big cat-like creatures near Tadcaster. A motorist called police after she saw an animal dash across the road in front of her car while another driver spotted a tiger-like beast.
In December 2008, a visitor to York was on her way back to Newcastle on a coach trip when she saw a beast on the A1M. She said it was pure black and had “bright, emerald green eyes”, and the base of its tail was seven or eight inches round.
8:24am Wednesday 1st December 2010
By Jennifer Bell
Crime reporter
A BIG cat is feared to be on the prowl in North Yorkshire after a sheep was savaged and killed. If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed the evidence suggests a panther-like creature could be responsible for the attack near Ravensworth, Richmond.
All that was left of the sheep was its skeleton. Flesh had been stripped from the remains of the sheep and wildlife officers from the North Yorkshire force have been liaising with experts from the Big Cats Society.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer for North Yorkshire Police, said: “The evidence seems to fit with a possible big cat attack.”
The cat could be the same one spotted earlier in the year on Ilkley Moor. It is feared the animal may have roamed 40 miles north in search of food. Another sheep carcass was found at Whashton, near Kirby Hill, last week.
Mark Fraser, of Big Cats in Britain, believes the cat could be a black leopard, which can be more than seven feet long.
It is not the first time a “big cat” has thought to have roamed in North Yorkshire. There have been reports of big cats on the A1237 York outer ring road, near the A19 and A64.
In 1995, police in Malton even opened a file on the so-called Beast Of Ryedale, when a cream-colored puma-type animal was spotted. In May 2006, an image was captured by a dog-walker as he strolled in a field near the A19 at Osgodby showing a black panther-like creature.
A month later there were two sightings of big cat-like creatures near Tadcaster. A motorist called police after she saw an animal dash across the road in front of her car while another driver spotted a tiger-like beast.
In December 2008, a visitor to York was on her way back to Newcastle on a coach trip when she saw a beast on the A1M. She said it was pure black and had “bright, emerald green eyes”, and the base of its tail was seven or eight inches round.
Big cat may be to blame for gruesome killing, say police
Teessdale Mercury
Nov 29, 2010
THE carcass of a sheep, which was found stripped to the bone, bears all the hallmarks of an attack by a big cat, say police wildlife experts.
But people should not to be alarmed – a confrontation with the beast is thought to be highly unlikely.
Last week, the Mercury reported how several people living near Ravensworth claimed a big cat was lurking in the countryside.
It is said the animal’s territory reaches as far as Ovington.
Police said they were called to investigate when a sheep carcass was found badly mauled at Buddle House Farm, near Kirby Hill.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer, has been looking into the matter and now believes a big cat could be in the area.
He said this week: “The sheep carcass was totally stripped – all that was left was its spine, ribs, head and legs.It was obvious something other than the more usual predators was to blame.
“The evidence seems to fit in with a possible big cat attack. It’s suspicious, but we’re keeping an open mind.”
PC Wilbor said he had taken DNA evidence from the dead sheep to establish which type of animal killed it.
The incident adds further weight to the belief that a lynx, puma or panther is on the prowl in North Yorkshire and County Durham.
Alleged sightings of the so-called ‘Durham Puma’ have been circulating the area for years.
PC Wilbor added: “There have been stories for a number of years and if you look at suggestions of other big cats across the UK, something could be out there.
“I don’t think we’ll every know for sure unless we can find a carcass of a big cat or someone runs one over.”
The wildlife officer said people should not be concerned.
He said: “These animals can travel a wide area, and by their nature, they are very secretive and can hide themselves away.
“If someone did come across a big cat, there’s nothing to say they would be a threat – the animal would probably run away.” However, he said farmers should keep an eye on their livestock just in case.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Nov 29, 2010
THE carcass of a sheep, which was found stripped to the bone, bears all the hallmarks of an attack by a big cat, say police wildlife experts.
But people should not to be alarmed – a confrontation with the beast is thought to be highly unlikely.
Last week, the Mercury reported how several people living near Ravensworth claimed a big cat was lurking in the countryside.
It is said the animal’s territory reaches as far as Ovington.
Police said they were called to investigate when a sheep carcass was found badly mauled at Buddle House Farm, near Kirby Hill.
PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer, has been looking into the matter and now believes a big cat could be in the area.
He said this week: “The sheep carcass was totally stripped – all that was left was its spine, ribs, head and legs.It was obvious something other than the more usual predators was to blame.
“The evidence seems to fit in with a possible big cat attack. It’s suspicious, but we’re keeping an open mind.”
PC Wilbor said he had taken DNA evidence from the dead sheep to establish which type of animal killed it.
The incident adds further weight to the belief that a lynx, puma or panther is on the prowl in North Yorkshire and County Durham.
Alleged sightings of the so-called ‘Durham Puma’ have been circulating the area for years.
PC Wilbor added: “There have been stories for a number of years and if you look at suggestions of other big cats across the UK, something could be out there.
“I don’t think we’ll every know for sure unless we can find a carcass of a big cat or someone runs one over.”
The wildlife officer said people should not be concerned.
He said: “These animals can travel a wide area, and by their nature, they are very secretive and can hide themselves away.
“If someone did come across a big cat, there’s nothing to say they would be a threat – the animal would probably run away.” However, he said farmers should keep an eye on their livestock just in case.
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Pet owner spots 'big cat' roaming during daylight near home
By helen machin news reporter
This is Tamworth
Saturday, November 27, 2010, 09:00
TAMWORTH'S mystery big cat has been spotted yet again – this time in daylight.
It was seen crossing forest land just metres from houses in Measham.
This latest sighting brings the total to almost 50 in the past eight years.
Described by most people as a black sleek creature, it is believed to most likely be a melanistic leopard, commonly referred to as a black panther.
The most recent sighting was on Friday, November 19, on land off New Street, Measham.
Twenty-six-year-old Alex Lloyd was alerted by the barking of his rottweiler and his next-door neighbour's dog.
He told the Herald: "At around 2pm suddenly both dogs started barking. They don't usually bark at each other so I went to see what was happening.
"Part of the national forest runs alongside our garden and I realised they were barking at something they had seen. I thought it was someone out walking, but then suddenly a big cat ran across, about 10 metres away.
"It just bounded along this pathway in the grass. It was about the same size as my rottweiler but it was not a dog, you could tell by the way it ran.
"I was quite surprised to see it in daylight, but it was a foggy sort of day."
Richard Meredith, who logs big cat sightings in the area, has spoken to Alex.
He said: "I asked the usual searching questions and I think the sighting is fairly conclusive."
If you have seen the big cat, email helen.machin@cintamworth.co.uk
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
This is Tamworth
Saturday, November 27, 2010, 09:00
TAMWORTH'S mystery big cat has been spotted yet again – this time in daylight.
It was seen crossing forest land just metres from houses in Measham.
This latest sighting brings the total to almost 50 in the past eight years.
Described by most people as a black sleek creature, it is believed to most likely be a melanistic leopard, commonly referred to as a black panther.
The most recent sighting was on Friday, November 19, on land off New Street, Measham.
Twenty-six-year-old Alex Lloyd was alerted by the barking of his rottweiler and his next-door neighbour's dog.
He told the Herald: "At around 2pm suddenly both dogs started barking. They don't usually bark at each other so I went to see what was happening.
"Part of the national forest runs alongside our garden and I realised they were barking at something they had seen. I thought it was someone out walking, but then suddenly a big cat ran across, about 10 metres away.
"It just bounded along this pathway in the grass. It was about the same size as my rottweiler but it was not a dog, you could tell by the way it ran.
"I was quite surprised to see it in daylight, but it was a foggy sort of day."
Richard Meredith, who logs big cat sightings in the area, has spoken to Alex.
He said: "I asked the usual searching questions and I think the sighting is fairly conclusive."
If you have seen the big cat, email helen.machin@cintamworth.co.uk
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
'Big cat' blamed for string of livestock attacks in Wales
The Daily Telegraph asked for a quote on pictures of prints that they sent, which I did. Unfortunately they printed the wrong prints!
Farmers have claimed a big cat is roaming the Welsh countryside following a string of savage attacks on livestock and sightings by terrified residents.
By Murray Wardrop 5:16PM GMT 28 Nov 2010
The beast, described as a large jet-black animal similar to a panther, is being blamed for a series of deaths of cattle and sheep in Pembrokeshire in recent weeks.
In one incident, a ewe was found ripped limb from limb while another farmer described seeing the predator fleeing his yard with a lamb in its jaws.
There have now been nine apparent sightings of the big cat in the area around Princes Gate, near Narberth.
Police and the Welsh Assembly have launched investigations into the sightings and photographs of a large paw print found in the mud on one of the farms affected is being examined.
However, wildlife experts claim that although some of the killings bear the hallmarks of a big cat, the prints and photographs do not provide conclusive evidence that such a predator is to blame.
Malcolm MacPhee, a sheep farmer from Princes Gate, said he found one of his best Suffolk pedigree ewes torn to shreds in one of his fields last week.
Mr MacPhee, 63, told the Daily Telegraph: “It’s a huge worry for all the farmers in the area.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw what had happened to one of my ewes – the beast had ripped off one of its shoulders and there were huge claw marks all the way along its body.
“Experts have now pointed out to us it was a clean kill and that its neck was broken first, which is not something a fox, dog or any other predator would do.
“The modus operandi is entirely consistent with a big cat, we have been told. It’s a dreadful situation, especially with lambing season not far off.”
Fears have also been compounded by reports that there could be as many as three big cats on the loose. Some witnesses claim to have seen the beast with a cub, meaning its mate could also be in the area.
“There have been two seen on different occasions,” added Mr MacPhee. “The larger one is about four feet long with a long, thick tail curved at the end. The smaller one is about the size of a collie dog.”
Dairy farmer John Mathias found one of his calves dead in a field with similar injuries recently and claims to have seen the beast on numerous occasions on his land.
He said: “I’ve seen the big cat a couple of times recently.
“About 100 yards away from me, I could see its green eyes, there was no mistaking it for another animal. It looked like pictures I’ve seen of panthers in the wild.
“I also saw it carrying a big lamb in its mouth across my yard. It left a paw print in the slurry, and it was the width across of my glasses.”
Pembrokeshire Council sent an animal health inspector to the farms affected and evidence, including the paw print, has been sent to the Welsh Assembly for further analysis.
Dyfed-Powys Police are also investigating.
Mark Fraser, founder of the research group British Big Cats Society, said: "Without examining the carcass itself, it's impossible to be 100 per cent certain that a big cat is responsible for these killings.
"However, the evidence does suggest that is the most likely explanation. The way the predator has peeled back the skin of the sheep to eat the flesh is very much a cat trait - only cats do that.
"And one of the paw prints looks very much like that of a big cat - I've seen puma prints very similar. The way that the toes are more splayed out suggests it's from a big cat.
Mr Fraser added that reports that a cub had been seen with the beast were also consistent with the spate of attacks on livestock.
He said: "This is the time of year you would expect a big cat to have young.
"A big cat will normally be able to survive on a few rabbits or something similar but it tends to be when they have cubs and there are more mouths to feed that they will go after bigger animals like sheep, especially in this cold weather."
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
Farmers have claimed a big cat is roaming the Welsh countryside following a string of savage attacks on livestock and sightings by terrified residents.
By Murray Wardrop 5:16PM GMT 28 Nov 2010
The beast, described as a large jet-black animal similar to a panther, is being blamed for a series of deaths of cattle and sheep in Pembrokeshire in recent weeks.
In one incident, a ewe was found ripped limb from limb while another farmer described seeing the predator fleeing his yard with a lamb in its jaws.
There have now been nine apparent sightings of the big cat in the area around Princes Gate, near Narberth.
Police and the Welsh Assembly have launched investigations into the sightings and photographs of a large paw print found in the mud on one of the farms affected is being examined.
However, wildlife experts claim that although some of the killings bear the hallmarks of a big cat, the prints and photographs do not provide conclusive evidence that such a predator is to blame.
Malcolm MacPhee, a sheep farmer from Princes Gate, said he found one of his best Suffolk pedigree ewes torn to shreds in one of his fields last week.
Mr MacPhee, 63, told the Daily Telegraph: “It’s a huge worry for all the farmers in the area.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw what had happened to one of my ewes – the beast had ripped off one of its shoulders and there were huge claw marks all the way along its body.
“Experts have now pointed out to us it was a clean kill and that its neck was broken first, which is not something a fox, dog or any other predator would do.
“The modus operandi is entirely consistent with a big cat, we have been told. It’s a dreadful situation, especially with lambing season not far off.”
Fears have also been compounded by reports that there could be as many as three big cats on the loose. Some witnesses claim to have seen the beast with a cub, meaning its mate could also be in the area.
“There have been two seen on different occasions,” added Mr MacPhee. “The larger one is about four feet long with a long, thick tail curved at the end. The smaller one is about the size of a collie dog.”
Dairy farmer John Mathias found one of his calves dead in a field with similar injuries recently and claims to have seen the beast on numerous occasions on his land.
He said: “I’ve seen the big cat a couple of times recently.
“About 100 yards away from me, I could see its green eyes, there was no mistaking it for another animal. It looked like pictures I’ve seen of panthers in the wild.
“I also saw it carrying a big lamb in its mouth across my yard. It left a paw print in the slurry, and it was the width across of my glasses.”
Pembrokeshire Council sent an animal health inspector to the farms affected and evidence, including the paw print, has been sent to the Welsh Assembly for further analysis.
Dyfed-Powys Police are also investigating.
Mark Fraser, founder of the research group British Big Cats Society, said: "Without examining the carcass itself, it's impossible to be 100 per cent certain that a big cat is responsible for these killings.
"However, the evidence does suggest that is the most likely explanation. The way the predator has peeled back the skin of the sheep to eat the flesh is very much a cat trait - only cats do that.
"And one of the paw prints looks very much like that of a big cat - I've seen puma prints very similar. The way that the toes are more splayed out suggests it's from a big cat.
Mr Fraser added that reports that a cub had been seen with the beast were also consistent with the spate of attacks on livestock.
He said: "This is the time of year you would expect a big cat to have young.
"A big cat will normally be able to survive on a few rabbits or something similar but it tends to be when they have cubs and there are more mouths to feed that they will go after bigger animals like sheep, especially in this cold weather."
If you have any news on this item please let us know by leaving a comment or email bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com Please report any sightings at http://www.bigcatsinbritain.org/localreportform.htm If you wish to comment on any of the items please click the header of the story.
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