Big cat on prowl in Forest

By freddie whittaker freddie.whittaker@glosmedia.co.uk

A MYSTERIOUS black beast has been spotted prowling about Gloucestershire.

Three witnesses have contacted the Big Cats in Britain organisation to report sightings of a large black cat in Hasfield near Ashleworth.

The report on the group's website says the creature was last spotted on Saturday.

Witnesses described it as being black with rounded ears and a thick tail about 30cm long. They also say it was slightly smaller than a German shepherd dog.

The report said: "Firstly I was inside and spotted the cat out in the middle of the field by an old tree where a lot of rabbits tend to live.

"Having watched it from inside through the binoculars for about 45 minutes I then went outside to get slightly closer.

"The big cat was aware I was there but was in no way bothered at all (it had a good old stare at me!).

"The big cat moved around the tree several times with one successful catch and then made its way along the hedgerow and up into the woodland surrounding the field."

Black cats spotted are often claimed to be lynxes or pumas, but some cynics claim they could be black dogs, such as Labradors.

Forest-based big cat expert Danny Nineham said: "I've heard nothing about these sightings, in fact I've never heard of sightings in that area at all. I can't remember off-hand the last time I saw one, but it doesn't surprise me. Those things are everywhere."

Gloucestershire has become notorious for big cat sightings after years of speculation across the county.

Schoolgirl Kim Howells had a 15th birthday to remember after coming face to face with a big cat in May.

The Heywood pupil fled in terror after being pursued by what she believes was a panther in woods near Ruspidge.

In January 2009, The Citizen reported that, under the Freedom of Information Act, the Forestry Commission confirmed two reliable sightings of large cats.

For more information visit www.bigcatsinbritain.org

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/environment/Big-cat-prowl-Forest/article-2595511-detail/article.html