No claws for concern. . . big cats are 'a myth' (via Paul Cropper)

No claws for concern. . . big cats are 'a myth'
By Donna Bowater
3 April 2010
The Daily Express
(c) 2010 Express Newspapers

TALES of big cats prowling the English countryside are a myth, according to wildlife experts. With more than 30 alleged sightings in the last two years, the wild felines have become folklore in many rural areas. Many members of the public claim to have seen the animals, believed to be released cougars and pumas, in woods and open fields. Others say farm animals have been attacked or killed by the mysterious cats. In Cornwall, the "Beast of Bodmin" is said to feast on grazing sheep.

Records show there were 92 big cat sightings across the country since 2001, with 19 in 2009 and 13 in 2008. According to the independent natural environment body Natural England, seven of the claims have been discounted while two were supported but not confirmed. Photographs allegedly showing the beasts were often proved to be false or inconclusive.

One theory suggests that big cats such as panthers were released into the wild from private collections after the Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 1976, breeding with native cats to produce hybrids. A Natural England spokeswoman said: "Big cats do escape from zoos or other collections and are usually recaptured very quickly. We are confident there is no breeding population of big cats in this country and it is very unlikely that there are any at large in the English countryside."

But the lack of evidence is unlikely to quell rumours of wild creatures stalking the countryside.

Trevor Beer, who has been researching the subject for 30 years, said Natural England had "written off" thousands of genuine sightings. Mr Beer, from Barnstaple, Devon, said: "The big cats are out there. I don't know why Natural England is going down this line. They are just making fools of themselves."