Big Cat Archive
It's turning into one of our hottest-ever topics - find out the early verdicts on the big cat phenomenon, the mysterious feline that's got the region talking....
Click here to find out the latest news and views, or join the debate and have Your Say.
Emma offers her theories and challenges some assumptions:
"The only logical explanation is that most sightings are of Kellas cats, an old and big hybrid descended from the European wildcat and the domestic cat.
"Scientists like David Alderton say that the black colour gene is linked to an increase in size, and may have become dominant over time. Kellas cats have been reported and scientifically documented for many years. Livestock kills are likely the work of feral dogs, as most are clumsy, unlike the precise injuries caused by a large cat.""Many British people know little about their own natural heritage - saying that a North American felid is definitely here based on blurry footage and unproven sightings is a real shot in the dark.
"With respect, the farming community has historically put forward theories like nightjars sucking milk from goats, and a recent survey failed to find a Welsh farmer who could tell the difference between two BRITISH species - pine marten and polecat. At any rate, almost no one seems to realise that pumas aren't black and melanistic leopards usually give birth to spotted cubs! "Kellas cats, coupled with feral dogs, the VERY RARE escape of a lynx or jungle cat, and occasional hoaxes (like the Bodmin leopard skull) surely provide a good explanation for this whole debate." "There may be more to it, but until real evidence appears the media should stop trying to whip the media into an anti-predator frenzy.
Ray Lee from Kent is not impressed by what he labels 'hysteria':
"I heard about the unidentified alleged big cats on the Today BBC Radio programme .
"I don't know who is the more hysterical, the police or the BBC. This is the 21st century, not Victoriana. It's wise to be on guard, but for heaven's sake, it's not the Hound of the Baskervilles. As for positive identification of these animals, that's easy - find some hairs and tracks!"
Ray Lee-Riley MSc (Ecology).
Mark from Melton Mowbray wonders whether shooting the 'cat' is really the answer:
"These magnificent cats shouldn't be shot, I think that will only worsen the situation and send the cats into further hiding. There should be a policy of humane capture and a facility to house the captured animals. After all, aren't we susposed to be a nation of animal lovers? Although it will be dull without the Big Cat mystery."
Danny Bamping from British Big Cats Network would like to hear about your big cat stories too!
"Should you wish to report a big cat sighting, please visit www.britishbigcats.org. This is a unique network of over 600 people across the UK, many actively working together to find more evidence of big cats. The BBCS will be increasing its profile in 2003, and will be undertaking many scientific studies on big cats."
Ian of Carmarthen contacted us earlier about an attack on his dog by a big cat. Here's the latest:
"We have had yet a further visit from the panther last night, and have now received some expert advice. My dog was killed by the panther. My family and I saw it. While I do not want this beautiful cat shot, I do want something done about it. The Assembly needs to get off its backside before it's too late - treat this seriously!"
Jamie of Rhondda believes he may have had a close shave with a big cat:
"I went camping with my friends before the summer holidays about the end of June this year. It was about four o' clock in the morning, and about 100 yards away, I saw something running through the ferns up to the forest. It looked like a smallish panther."
John of Hereford discusses the implications of big cats in the area:
"The government has admitted there is evidence for the release of a number of species of wildcats and the possibility of big cats living and breeding in the British countryside is a serious issue. The primary responsibility for big cats as a threat to livestock is taken by DEFRA who can be contacted with details of sightings of exotic mammals such as big cats. If the cats were deemed a risk to humans the Home Office will deal with this. The police are the first port of call should anyone feel a human is at risk from big cats in the British countryside."
Hill Billy of West Virginia has this to say:
"Hysteria over a few panthers? Answer this: how many people have been attacked so far by 'big cats' in Wales? How many deaths of livestock can be reasonably attributed to these 'big cats'?"
John of Hereford discusses the implications of big cats in the area:
"The government has admitted there is evidence for the release of a number of species of wildcats and the possibility of big cats living and breeding in the British countryside is a serious issue. The primary responsibility for big cats as a threat to livestock is taken by DEFRA who can be contacted with details of sightings of exotic mammals such as big cats. If the cats were deemed a risk to humans the Home Office will deal with this. The police are the first port of call should anyone feel a human is at risk from big cats in the British countryside."
Mandy of Carmarthenshire says she feels privileged to have seen a big cat:
"There is no doubt that there is a black panther in our area. I have seen in twice in fields near our house in the last four years. Earlier this year it was seen crossing a field next to the playground of my son's primary school about two miles away from where I live. It was seen by the whole school including the teachers, so this is no wind up!
"I think it's the first time that it had been seen by a group of people. It was clearly a big cat and there is no doubt that there is at least one living round here. However as far as I know it has never taken farm animals or pets. It has probably escaped from a private zoo/home and is quite at home here. I would hate it if someone came to try and shoot it, it has caused no trouble and runs away if it sees people."
The Exotic Cat Group at the University of Wales, Swansea, is researching the issue and developing risk assessments for local land use agencies. Its warning individuals that it's very dangerous to try and trap, shoot, or hunt big cats with dogs:
"For any of these activities to succeed requires specific planning, training and good knowledge of British and international legislation surrounding the cats. Ignorance of this legislation is not a defence in law.
"The Exotic Cat Groups advice is NOT to attempt to trap, shoot or hunt the cats. If you have lost livestock, then there are alternatives to all of these activities, which are better at preventing further livestock attacks. In addition, the police will not tolerate the use of weapons for purposes not covered by their licences. As shooting exotic cats may fall under certain aspects of conservation and environmental legislation, shooting them could well fall outside the terms of your gun licence.
"The group would be very interested in reports of encounters with exotic cats and can be reached by e-mailing exoticcatproject@swan.ac.uk by telephoning 07866 995809, or by writing to The Exotic Cat Project, The Department of Geography, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP.
"Cat encounters outside Wales can be reported to the Exotic Animals Register (0117 902 4807, 9am. to 9pm.) or specific regional registers, the contact details of which we would be willing to pass on, if required. All reports or information will treated in confidence and will be used solely for the purpose of this research.
And if you'd like to read the group's advice on what to do if you do see a big cat, then click here
Patricia of Carmarthenshire tells us that US tracker Tom Brown JR has confirmed that big cats do exist.
She says that he advised people NOT to try and shoot these creatures as the likelihood is that they will only injure the animal and make it aggressive:
"Tom looked at all the evidence that we had collected in the time we have been on the case and I was pleased to find out from Tom that they were the paw prints of big cats.
"We must now put pressure on the goverment/police etc to take action. I would like to see Tom Brown come back and track down the cats, but it would not be easy as there have been so many sightings. I think that Tom Brown's trip was what was needed to prove that the cats are here and that we aren't all going mad."
Ian of Carmarthen is more convinced than ever of the existence of big cats. He says that people are now afraid to leave their homes at night.
"Tom Brown the tracker visited out home first and confirmed that a panther had been laying in my our field, therefore confirming the fact that they live in our beautiful countryside - scary. We saw the panther again last week. The police are not interested and I think we should do something about this urgently."
Steve of Carmarthen has been in contact with us:
"With all this evidence piling up it is obvious that they are present. If anyone can give more exact locations of sightings I would be very grateful. I think these panther watches are a great idea and the people of Carmarthen should have one."
Ian of Carmarthen had a close encounter with a big cat:
"Yes they do exist. I lost my dog to one last week and my family and I all saw a big cat in our garden.
If you asked me if big cats were roaming wales two weeks ago I would have found it hard to believe, but after seeing one I have no doubt. What are we going to do about this?"
Nigel from Rutland thinks that there is a gradual acceptance among the authorities of the existence of a big cat:
"With regard to the police, I think some forces are slowly waking up to the facts, here in Leics, the police have been on-board from day one and accepted, along with the RSPCA up here, that these cats existed.
"Other forces tried to pretend it was not the case and are now sending up choppers in a blind attempt to respond to the public. "The results are obvious, panicked public and no cats caught!!
"Up here, officers speak to the schools etc and reassure people, yes the big cats are potential killers, but lets not overstate the case. More people get killed by lightning in the UK than puma attacks in the United States. Also if Deb wants to report her Leics "Puma" sighting to us on www.bigcats.org.uk we would be very grateful."
Deb from Leicestershire has sent an account of her close encounter
"We were walking our two dogs when we saw ahead of us about 100 yards away, walking away from us, what looked like the back end of a lioness.
"Apparently there have been numerous sightings of a large black panther-type cat very near here, but this is an unusual sighting of a big cat with a honey coloured coat. I can tell you it scared the hell out of me!! And it was VERY near to a primary school too. Is there a real danger that these cats will attack humans? I'm scared to walk my dogs now."
Sean's story prompted Lynn of Neath to relate a similar experience:
"I am a member of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team. Some years ago we were carrying out a night search for a missing person in the area of Trefil Quarry. A member of the team came face to face with a big black animal. The animal ran off when disturbed."
Sean of Carmarthen reports on what he has seen recently:
"Just three weeks ago I saw what I thought was a large black cat (bigger than a German Sheperd), in a disused quarry not far from Carmarthen. I was approaching over the lip at the top of the quarry and 'it' was down below, no more than 20 metres away from where I was standing. Without looking up, it darted away running into nearby bushes in that distinctive feline manner.
"The local farmer told me that it was probably an old fox with somewhat gnarled and mottled fur but I find this explanation very hard to believe given the size of the animal and the way in which it moved.
"Has anyone else spotted similar creatures South of Carmarthen?"
Ab of Carmarthen has this to say:
"It is amazing how seriously the big cat issue is being taken now POLICE officers have seen them for themselves. Not only amazing, but insulting to those who have been reporting sightings and reports of injuries to livestock and horses over the past few YEARS.
"Great activity is, and has been, going on around West Wales, around the Carmarthen to Lampeter area, which covers the great Brechfa forest, yet has any REAL notice been taken? NO. WHY? Is it because this Government would rather treat us all as fools and hope against hope that the legacy of the controls on exotics rushed through Parliament back in the early 'seventies could have led to the increased sightings of the big cats?
Not just one or two isolated incidences - there are more cats happily living and breeding in our countryside. Surely, common sense will tell most reasonably intelligent people that as these animals breed and their youngsters grow up they will be pushing out a little further to inhabit new territories.
"It is time for the Government and other relevant authorities to stop pussyfooting about (pardon the pun), and take this matter seriously, not just pass the buck and give it to DEFRA to sort out, they are busy learning how farming works still. What experience and knowledge do the RSPCA have for dealing with our incomer big cats?
"The way the authorities are treating the sightings and reports of big cats, to date, fills me with fear, because of their scepticism and lack of knowledge. Fear, because something needs to be done soon to get some form of data and information held by various people who have been working between themselves on the sightings. They ALL need logging and some experienced people co-ordinated to monitor the situation before the cats get too happy and comfortable in areas where they could do real damage to humans? Complacency is stupidity."
We spoke to Elin Davies, Press Officer for the RSPCA. She had this to say:
"Obviously we don't have much hands on experience of dealing with this type of animal as they are not native to this country. Consequently we don't often come across them. As we deal with a wide variety of wild, domestic and farm animals all of our inspectors can not be expected to be experts in every field. We often seek specialist advice from experts in a certain field - zoos etc. and in turn we give advice back.
"Some of our inspectors are fully qualified to dart/tranquilise animals and some of them have also come from a zoo background.
" If a big cat sighting was reported, we would co-operate fully with the police and offer advise. The welfare of the animal and public safety is paramount."
Patricia of Rhydcymerau Llandeilo has been in contact following a sighting of a big cat in Gwent:
"I am quite angry that no one in authority takes the sightings of big cats seriously until two police officers in South Wales see them! Is there a difference to me or any one of us seeing them so many times? I have now got even more evidence to back up the fact that the cats are here.
"We videoed the cats fighting last week in our bottom field and I have never heard this noise before. I have let other people listen to the fighting sound and they all say that it was BIG cats so what are we going to? Isn't it about time to get something done NOW before it's too late."
Pamela of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania has responded with this email:
"As we build, move and holiday into the animals' territories, they will wander into ours! Here in Pennsylvania, animals such as black bears and coyotes have moved from the rural northern areas into the more populated south. Despite living near a busy highway, I keep a large dog and don't wander around my wooded property at night anymore!"
Clive of Beast Watch has this to say on the topic:
"Whilst many more people claim to have seen such a creature, little in the way of tangable evidence has been put forward over the years. Ask any zoologist 'Could large cats live in the UK countryside?' and the answer would be yes. This is a far cry from they do. Much more intense research needs to be done. 'Beast Watch' is currently using camera traps in remote areas to try and photograph any non-native species of feline. Only time will tell."
Greg of Anaheim, California, has responded to one of Patricia's emails:
"I can't believe an expert is telling you that these big cats won't attack humans. We have a little more experience here in the States. Any large wild cats - such as cougers, mountain lions etc are not afraid to attack humans and will, if hungry enough.
"The best thing to do if you want to get a photo is to bring a good sized dog. It can get the scent of whatever it is, and provide some protection."
Mark of Melton Mowbray wrote to tell us of his close encounter:
"I have seen the black leopard (panther). It was caught in my spotlight whilst out filming other wildlife, although I was not quick enough to capture it on tape. Since that day I joined Leicestershire and Rutland Panther Watch. and am now involved in trying to capture this magnificent animal on video. Since joining L&R pantherwatch the evidence I've seen is astonishing."
Here's what Terry of Cambridge thinks:
"There certainly have been big cats/exotic cats out there and there are a lot of non native animals now. Some are dogs, some are domestic/feral cats, but there is a proportion of "other" things that just can't be explained without a good photo.
"The situation seems to be getting more active and it varies as to certain areas and moves around a lot."
Nyle of Skewen believes there is something in the woods!
"My cousin was up in the woods of Cilfrew playing and all of the sudden he heard growls he thought it was his dog fighting, but then there were quick sharp movements. He said that he saw something black and it was like a panther. He did not think of anything else but to run for his life.
"Other people have claimed to have spotted things as well. He won't even go into the woods with people with him - whatever it was it sure scared him!!"
Patricia of Rhydcymerau tells us about another sighting of a big cat - involving her daughter:
"On the way home she saw a big cat in the field near to where they have been spotted before. When she arrived home she was in a real state. She was shaking like a leaf. When I calmed her down and, she told us what she had seen.
"My husband went out to look around he took the video camera with him. He filmed some horses grazing quietly in a field. All of a sudden they were spooked by something because they took off across the field like the clappers. Then he heared a cat calling - and this is on tape. Then the sheep were upset by something and they started to make a lot of noise. They were really unsettled - then he heard the cat call again."
"It's no good the so-called experts telling us that these cats won't attack humans you only have to ask the people in the USA who know a lot more about the cats than we do in the UK. They tell me that the big cats will attack humans."
Nigel of the 'Rutland and Leics Panther Watch' is convinced that are big cats roaming the countryside:
"England and Scotland are getting some really good close up sightings now, many at feet away with the distinct spots being seen under the black coat all pointing to Panthers (black Leopards) in most cases - although fawn animals are most likely Pumas"
Chris from Loughborough says:
"Yes, big cats do in fact exist in the UK, I have seen them myself - three now in the past four years."
Mark of Preswick is equally convinced:
"Wales has long been a hotspot for these sightings. There's much evidence out there - should anyone wish to give up their armchair and find it."
Patricia of Rhydcymerau has some very strong views to put forward on this topic:
"I don't think that the big cats are here among us - I KNOW they are. I with my husband have been tracking the puma and black leopard for near on three years. We have seen them and on a couple of occasions we have had very close encounters with them. We have been out at night tracking the puma and we have got film footage of a puma in a field close to where we live.
"We have seen what they can do to livestock. Sheep are killed and the fleece is removed in one. The meat is rasped off, not chewed, as if it had been attacked by a dog or fox. Only a few weeks ago a farmer called us and asked us to go and see a horse that he thought had been attacked by a big cat. When we arrived we could clearly see that it had been attacked by a big cat. There were claw marks all over its neck, head, back and flanks. There were also puncture holes on the claw marks. Recently two more horses have been attacked and both of them had the same claw marks and puncture holes on their bodies.
"A few weeks ago on two seperate occasions two workmen saw a big cat. One saw a cat walking towards him and then it jumped over a hedge. We went and measured the hedge and it was some 17 feet tall.
"We have now sent casts of paw prints to experts in the USA - and they have said they are puma prints. We have also shown the evidence to a British zoo and again they say that they are pumas.
"Does the government think that we are seeing things? I don't think so as there have been too many sightings in this area. We even hear them calling at night. It's like the sound of cats. It's like a woman screaming, but it is very loud and it makes the hairs on your neck stand up.
"We will continue to track the big cats. We have now been given equipment to help us get the photo that we need to prove to the government that there are big cats living amongst us. We will get the photo sooner or later. But will the government believe us?"
So what do you think? Why not have Your Say.
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