WHAT'S OUT THERE !!!

[auquhollie]

 

Ragdoll if im not mistaken ?.

[bobt]

I saw a large black cat about 15 years ago, and again a couple of years ago, both were large Lab size.

 

a mate locally was out in a wood with his yellow lab, when one walked in front of them, his dog usually game for fighting, hid behind him.

[7X64]

Just found this article by accident, thought it might interest some involved in this thread.

 

http://www.britishbigcats.org

 

cheers

 

Steve

 

LATEST NEWS - 15th March 2006

EXCLUSIVE BBCS REPORT REVEALS STARTLING

NEW EVIDENCE FOR BIG CATS IN BRITAIN.

The latest report from the British Big Cats Society not only reveals startling new evidence for big cats in Britain, but also that the numbers roaming our countryside could be increasing. The report, covering research from April 04 to July 05, is to be published exclusively in the April issue of BBC Wildlife magazine on sale16 March 2006 (£3.25).

 

The BBCS report reveals that 2,123 sightings of big cats were reported between April 2004 and July 2005. The South West once again proved a hot-spot for sightings, with Devon, Cornwall and Somerset all featuring in the top ten big cat locations. Scotland came in third, seeing almost a 50% drop in sightings reported, and was replaced at the top by Devon. Wales was 4th on the list with 123 reported sightings and incidents. Almost 60% of all the sightings reported were of black cats, and 32% were of brown or sandy coloured ones, which the BBCS believes to be pumas. Another 6% were lynx type cats.

 

New evidence published includes a skull found by a Devon farmer in July 2005 that has now been identified as that of a puma; three reported attacks on horses; over 35 incidents regarding sheep kills; several confirmed paw prints of which plaster casts were taken; and 17 reports of a big cat with cubs – an increasing trend, which suggests that the animals may be breeding. During the study over half a dozen hair samples, now awaiting analysis, were also collected.

 

The BBCS has also gathered evidence of at least 23 releases of big cats into the wild since the Dangerous Animals Act was passed in 1976, including a panther, pumas, lynxes and a host of exotics including caracals, ocelots and jungle cats. Many of the original owners are now owning up to their past misdeeds.

 

 

The Skull found by a Devon farmer in July 2005 that has now been identified as that of a puma (photo on website)