Big cat on prowl
Purcell Register
By Susie Williams-Allen - The Purcell Register Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife (ODW) said the big cat spotted in north Purcell is not an immediate safety hazard. Two sightings of a big cat in the Arbors Addition and Lighthouse ...See all stories on this topic »
Mountain lion attack closes trails, campsites in BBNPAlpine AvalancheOne mountain lion attack and one "close call," both involving young children, occurred Sunday afternoon at Big Bend National Park, said David Elkowitz, the park's chief information officer. The close call occurred on the Window Trail, located at the ...See all stories on this topic »
Father Fights Off Mountain Lion [VIDEO]By Jeff DeminskiThe boy who survived the attack but sustained horrific wounds says the big cat just sneaked up on them. With his son's face locked in the jaws of the mountain lion, the father reached for a pocket knife and went after the animal. What happened ...New Jersey 101.5
Big cat goes wild for fluffy slippers! VIDEO! - Care2 News NetworkBy Cher C.A confused tiger at a zoo thought he was being visited by a big cat relative when he spotted a giant pair of paws through its compound window.Care2 News Network
Mountain lion attack closes trails, campsites in BBNPAlpine AvalancheOne mountain lion attack and one "close call," both involving young children, occurred Sunday afternoon at Big Bend National Park, said David Elkowitz, the park's chief information officer. The close call occurred on the Window Trail, located at the ...See all stories on this topic »
Who's your daddy?TheChronicleHerald.caLast week, a reader suggested Boo could be possibly be a Norwegian Forest Cat, a breed, again according to Wikipedia, that "is a strong, big cat, similar to the Maine Coon breed, with long legs, a bushy tail, and a sturdy body." Check.See all stories on this topic »
National network of tiger poachers bustedHindustan TimesBut, their claim of killing eight to ten tigers in less than six months, which is about 40 percent of poaching incidents big cat deaths during the period, has caused panic. “Their claim is alarming and we are verifying it,” said a senior Wildlife Crime ...See all stories on this topic »
Huge haul of poached animal parts, 5 heldDaily PioneerThe pelts of one tiger, four leopards and about 3 kg big cat bones were seized from five persons who were arrested in Najibabad in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The wildlife contraband is said to have been sourced from Uttarakhand.See all stories on this topic »
America's pets also have an obesity epidemicCBS NewsCarlson told HealthPop that table food is also a big culprit. People may not realize all the diseases overweight animals are likely to get. Common disease risks include osteoarthritis (in the elbows for cats, which is especially painful), diabetes, ...See all stories on this topic »
Experts: Some Kind Of Big Cat Is On The Loose In Westchester ...Another big predator cat is apparently roaming the northern suburbs. The calls started coming in earlier this week in Westchester County.newyork.cbslocal.com/.../experts-some-kind-of-big-cat-is-on-t...
The Littler Cats Found At The Big Cat RescueWe've shown videos of the Big Cat Rescue group before, but one thing left out of their usual videos are all the tiny cats and the non-cat species living on the ...www.neatorama.com/.../the-littler-cats-found-at-the-big-cat-res...
Do Big Cats Purr?The non-profit educational sanctuary in Tampa, Florida, Big Cat Rescue, has put together Do Big Cats Purr?, a video that answers questions about how cats of ...laughingsquid.com/do-big-cats-purr/
Showing posts with label big cat sightings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label big cat sightings. Show all posts
Friday, February 10, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
'Big cats are out there', say two Gloucestershire trackers
"I've been ridiculed, called deluded, told to get a life and all sorts of things," says 65-year-old semi-retired wildlife enthusiast Frank Tunbridge.
He is passionate about a species of which its mere existence is hotly debated: Wild big cats in the UK.
"I know they are out there," said Mr Tunbridge, who has spent nearly 25 years investigating Gloucestershire's reported big cats.
He said that on average he received two sightings a week from across the county.
His passion is equalled by that of Rick Minter, 50, who has written a book about big cats in the wilds of Britain.
'Own little world'"The main candidates for the larger types of feral big cats being reported in Britain are puma-type cats and panthers," he said.
"A puma is a sandy-grey coloured cat, also known as cougar and mountain lion. A black panther is biologically a leopard or a jaguar in its black form."
Mr Minter admitted some people just found the idea of big cats roaming wild in the English countryside too incredible to believe.
"You do feel largely like you are beavering away in your own little world," he said.
"You're suddenly engulfed with emails and reporters and programmes wanting to know about the latest deer carcass or your view on 'X' in relation to big cats.""Then, suddenly January 2012 comes along and half the nation's media are tracking your every step.
The incident he refers to came about when the National Trust announced that it had called for DNA tests to be carried out on a deer carcass found on its land near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
A trust spokesman had initially said the deer's injuries - and way the carcass had been eaten by its killer - were thought to be "highly indicative of big cat activity".
But three weeks later the results are back and they are negative to the idea of a big cat predator. Fox and deer DNA are the only traces found on the swabs taken.
But Mr Tunbridge said he still believed the big cats were out there - and said he had his own close encounter to prove it.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Florida: Davie couple say black panther has been prowling around their yard (via Chad Arment)
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel
January 21, 2012
DAVIE —
A wild cat a Davie couple say they spotted in their backyard more than a week ago has some residents on edge.
Local trapper Robert Leach has set up a cage on the property, hoping to capture the animal.
Mayor Judy Paul suspects it may be a bobcat, not a black panther as reported by the resident.
"Call it what you want," said Sheldon Friedberg, who called police on Jan. 14 after his wife spotted what she called a black panther pawing at her cat.
Friedberg said his wife went outside that night to shoo away what she thought was a black dog.
"It wasn't a dog," said Friedberg, who lives in the 6100 block of Southwest 56th Street, northeast of Stirling and Davie Roads. "It had 4-inch fangs. And it's not a bobcat. When it opened its mouth it's like something you see in the movies."
Friedberg said the family cat survived the attack.
He and his wife had seen the animal before, but thought it was a neighbor's oversized cat, he said.
His wife, who appeared recently on a TV news report on WSVN-Ch. 7, declined to comment.
"I can tell you this," Friedberg said. "It's a gigantic cat. It's out there. They still haven't caught it."
Mark McCarthy, who runs a wildlife sanctuary in The Acreage in Palm Beach County, said he doubts the animal that the Friedbergs say is prowling around their property is a black panther.
"A lot of people don't know one cat from another," he said. "People call and tell me they hit a jaguar and I go out and it's a bobcat. Maybe it was a bobcat or cougar and it got in the mud."
The mayor also had doubts.
"We've got bobcats and they're sometimes dark," Paul said. "We have had coyote sightings out west. Where would a black panther have come from?"
Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle had this advice for anyone who spots the animal: Call 911.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/fl-panther-davie-folo-20120121,0,1729294.story
January 21, 2012
DAVIE —
A wild cat a Davie couple say they spotted in their backyard more than a week ago has some residents on edge.
Local trapper Robert Leach has set up a cage on the property, hoping to capture the animal.
Mayor Judy Paul suspects it may be a bobcat, not a black panther as reported by the resident.
"Call it what you want," said Sheldon Friedberg, who called police on Jan. 14 after his wife spotted what she called a black panther pawing at her cat.
Friedberg said his wife went outside that night to shoo away what she thought was a black dog.
"It wasn't a dog," said Friedberg, who lives in the 6100 block of Southwest 56th Street, northeast of Stirling and Davie Roads. "It had 4-inch fangs. And it's not a bobcat. When it opened its mouth it's like something you see in the movies."
Friedberg said the family cat survived the attack.
He and his wife had seen the animal before, but thought it was a neighbor's oversized cat, he said.
His wife, who appeared recently on a TV news report on WSVN-Ch. 7, declined to comment.
"I can tell you this," Friedberg said. "It's a gigantic cat. It's out there. They still haven't caught it."
Mark McCarthy, who runs a wildlife sanctuary in The Acreage in Palm Beach County, said he doubts the animal that the Friedbergs say is prowling around their property is a black panther.
"A lot of people don't know one cat from another," he said. "People call and tell me they hit a jaguar and I go out and it's a bobcat. Maybe it was a bobcat or cougar and it got in the mud."
The mayor also had doubts.
"We've got bobcats and they're sometimes dark," Paul said. "We have had coyote sightings out west. Where would a black panther have come from?"
Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle had this advice for anyone who spots the animal: Call 911.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/fl-panther-davie-folo-20120121,0,1729294.story
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Stroud deer carcass tested for 'big cat activity'
DNA tests for "big cat activity" are being carried out on a roe deer carcass found near Stroud in Gloucestershire.
Swabs were taken from the wounds of the deer by experts who visited Woodchester Park to examine the evidence.
The carcass was seen and photographed by a local walker at the National Trust-owned countryside estate.
A National Trust spokesman said the deer's injuries and way the carcass had been consumed were "thought to be highly indicative of big cat activity".
The DNA samples were taken by a professor from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick and the results are expected later this month.
'Occasional sightings'David Armstrong, the National Trust's head ranger for the Gloucestershire countryside, said the deer carcass was found near an area of beech woodland sloping down to pastures.
"There are some very occasional sightings of big cats in the Cotswolds but they have wide territories, so are rarely present in one particular spot for long," he added.
"We'd be interested to hear of any more sightings at Woodchester."
Gloucestershire big cat expert, Rick Minter, said it was very helpful to have a forensic study of the deer carcass done "so we can learn about the subject".
"Although people occasionally report a possible big cat from a distance, close up encounters with such cats are rare," he said.
"Their hearing and movement are exceptional, which helps them avoid close contact with people."
Monday, December 5, 2011
5th ocelot sighting confirmed (via Chad Arment)
The fifth confirmed Arizona ocelot sighting in two years was reported Friday by the chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
Chairman Robert R. Woodhouse said at a commission meeting that the state Game and Fish Department had confirmed a new ocelot sighting report in southeastern Arizona on Friday. The ocelot is listed as an endangered species in the United States.
A Game and Fish officer investigating a report from another source found tracks and received several images that helped the department determine this was a verified ocelot report. More specific details about the cat and where it was found were not available late Friday.
Two other ocelot sightings occurred in February and May of this year in the Huachuca Mountains, while a dead ocelot was found near Globe in April 2010, Game and Fish officials have said.
In November 2009, remote cameras placed by the conservation group Sky Island Alliance photographed an ocelot in Cochise County. Until that sighting, no confirmed ocelot sightings had occurred in Arizona since 1964.
Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/science/environment/th-ocelot-sighting-confirmed/article_bd63c811-1745-50f5-9786-98afc850c5a1.html#ixzz1ffC8QERU
Eds' note: However, here is update on that story:
Sighting was African cat, not ocelot
TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - After further review, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said the reported rare sighting of an ocelot was another breed of cat called a serval.
Chairman Robert R. Woodhouse said at a commission meeting that the state Game and Fish Department had confirmed a new ocelot sighting report in southeastern Arizona on Friday. The ocelot is listed as an endangered species in the United States.
A Game and Fish officer investigating a report from another source found tracks and received several images that helped the department determine this was a verified ocelot report. More specific details about the cat and where it was found were not available late Friday.
Two other ocelot sightings occurred in February and May of this year in the Huachuca Mountains, while a dead ocelot was found near Globe in April 2010, Game and Fish officials have said.
In November 2009, remote cameras placed by the conservation group Sky Island Alliance photographed an ocelot in Cochise County. Until that sighting, no confirmed ocelot sightings had occurred in Arizona since 1964.
Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/science/environment/th-ocelot-sighting-confirmed/article_bd63c811-1745-50f5-9786-98afc850c5a1.html#ixzz1ffC8QERU
Eds' note: However, here is update on that story:
Sighting was African cat, not ocelot
TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - After further review, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said the reported rare sighting of an ocelot was another breed of cat called a serval.
A serval is a popular African cat in the pet trade, the fish and game department said.
The Department uses a three-tiered classification system to rank reported sightings from the public based on the level of physical evidence available, the department said.
The presence of physical evidence such as scat, hair, tracks and/or photos and video can lead to a Class I designation of "verifiable" or "highly probable."
Read more here ...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wis. DNR warns hunters to watch for cougar (via D R Shoop)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State wildlife officials are warning deer hunters to keep an eye out for a cougar roaming west-central and northern Wisconsin.
Trail cameras have snapped photos of the animal three different times over the last month or so. The last photo came Nov. 8 near the Rusk-Taylor county line just east of Hawkins. Department of Natural Resources biologists believe the animal may now be in the Flambeau State Forest or in Price
County.
They believe the cougar is a young male in search of territory and a mate.
The DNR asks anyone who sees the cougar to contact the nearest DNR office or file a report through the agency's online rare mammal observation form.
Agency biologists also are interested in photographs of the cougar's tracks.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/11/16/wisconsin-dnr-warns-hunters-to-watch-for-cougar/
Trail cameras have snapped photos of the animal three different times over the last month or so. The last photo came Nov. 8 near the Rusk-Taylor county line just east of Hawkins. Department of Natural Resources biologists believe the animal may now be in the Flambeau State Forest or in Price
County.
They believe the cougar is a young male in search of territory and a mate.
The DNR asks anyone who sees the cougar to contact the nearest DNR office or file a report through the agency's online rare mammal observation form.
Agency biologists also are interested in photographs of the cougar's tracks.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/11/16/wisconsin-dnr-warns-hunters-to-watch-for-cougar/
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
'Lion' haunts croc territory (via Chad Arment)
AUTHORITIES in Darwin are on the lookout for a feral lioness, after three reports of a big cat being spotted crossing the Stuart Highway.
The sightings about 9pm on Sunday sparked a quick police search and a check at Crocodylus, a local wildlife park just a few minutes away.
According to the NT News, three cars pulled over while the animal crossed the highway in front of them at Pinelands, a small suburb about 20 kilometres from Darwin.
''I often get reports of dingoes in the area, which are a similar colour but a completely different size,'' a police spokeswoman said. Police found no trace of the creature.
Crocodylus chief scientist Charlie Manolis said he took the sightings seriously, but both lions at the park were found to be secure.
He said that ''not in a gazillion years'' could a lion have escaped its enclosure, then voluntarily returned and been present when checked. He said because three people had reported seeing a lion, it was likely something was roaming around.
''Whether there is a large dog or a beastie out there that looks like a lion, we would like to find out any information about what it really is,'' he said.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/lion-haunts-croc-territory-20111107-1n3vw.html
The sightings about 9pm on Sunday sparked a quick police search and a check at Crocodylus, a local wildlife park just a few minutes away.
According to the NT News, three cars pulled over while the animal crossed the highway in front of them at Pinelands, a small suburb about 20 kilometres from Darwin.
''I often get reports of dingoes in the area, which are a similar colour but a completely different size,'' a police spokeswoman said. Police found no trace of the creature.
Crocodylus chief scientist Charlie Manolis said he took the sightings seriously, but both lions at the park were found to be secure.
He said that ''not in a gazillion years'' could a lion have escaped its enclosure, then voluntarily returned and been present when checked. He said because three people had reported seeing a lion, it was likely something was roaming around.
''Whether there is a large dog or a beastie out there that looks like a lion, we would like to find out any information about what it really is,'' he said.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/lion-haunts-croc-territory-20111107-1n3vw.html
Monday, November 7, 2011
Is it a tiger? Is it a leopard?
| By: Ranjeet Jadhav | Date: 2011-11-07 | Place: Mumbai |
A milkman claims to have seen a tigress with cubs in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, but forest officials are convinced that what he saw must be a leopard
If Balu Shinde is to be believed, you may not have to travel to the distant Tadoba Tiger Reserve or Ranthambore National Park to spot a tiger anymore. The 46-year-old milk distributor claims to have spotted a tigress and her two cubs behind Mahananda Dairy in Aarey colony on Friday.
The forest officials, however, refute his claims and say that it's not possible to spot a tiger in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) for the simple reason that there aren't any in the park. They believe that Shinde must have spotted a leopardess, which locals have frequently spotted in the area, roaming with her two cubs.
Bombay Natural History Society Project Head (Forest) Krishna Tiwary said, "With no evidence, it's impossible to say that a tiger was spotted within the limits of the Aarey colony area."
No doubt it's a tiger
Shinde, however, is adamant that he saw a tiger at 8.45 pm on Friday. He said, "My colleagues and I were standing within the premises of the dairy when we heard people screaming, claiming that they have spotted a tiger. We immediately rushed to the gate in our jeep towards the Aarey colony forest. With our headlights switched on, we reached the gate; I was shocked to see a full-grown tigress along with her two cubs. We then saw them run into the forest." Shinde added, "I am certain that the creature I saw was a tiger. It had stripes on its body and not black spots like leopards do."
In 2003, tribals residing in the forest claimed to have seen a tiger at Nagla block, towards the northern end of SGNP. In order to verify their claims, officials from the forest department undertook a detailed study in the area. After verifying the pugmarks and looking at the bullock that was killed by the predator, it was confirmed that the animal spotted by the tribals was indeed a tiger. Since then, however, there have not been any tiger sightings in or around the park.
Taking note of the reported sighting, the estate department of Mahanand Dairy has written a letter to SGNP. Another letter has been dispatched to the local police station.
Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of SGNP Sunil Limaye said, "As soon as we received information that locals had spotted a wild animal, we sent our team to the spot and installed two camera traps in the area, so that images of the animal can be captured, if it visits the area again."
An animal expert revealed that the chances of a tiger sighting in the area were very slim. "The SGNP forest is a highly disturbed forest. There are many human settlements inside the park and tigers cannot adjust themselves in this kind of forest, as they prefer a dense forest as their habitat. If tigers were dwelling in the SGNP forest, they would have mauled the tribals. Tigers cannot stay in close proximity to human settlements, the way leopards can. The man must have seen a full-grown leopard."
http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/nov/071111-Is-it-a-tiger-Is-it-a-leopard.htm
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Train affected by lion 'sighting'
6 November 2011
A police helicopter was scrambled and passengers were stopped from leaving a train after police received a report of a lion on the loose.
West Yorkshire Police received a call at 3.30pm on Sunday from a woman who thought she saw a lion as she was driving in the village of Shepley near Huddersfield.
The search lasted almost two hours as officers tried to locate the lion and passengers were forced to remain onboard trains at Shepley station.
But at 5.15pm the inquiry was ended as no lions were found and there were no additional sightings.
Inspector Carlton Young, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We've had unconfirmed reports of a lion or a lion cub in the area. We've had officers looking around. At the moment we've had nothing confirmed and we've not located anyone who is claiming to have lost an animal."
Officers believe the woman - who claimed to have seen a lion on Penistone Road, Shepley - was a genuine caller. Around 12 officers were dispatched to look for a lion along with a police helicopter.
Insp Young added that the search would be resumed on Monday if there were any more reports.
National Rail Enquiries wrote on its Twitter feed: "Passengers are currently unable to alight from trains at Shepley due to reports by police of a lion in the area." It later issued an update that normal service had been resumed.
In May a police helicopter was scrambled and a golf course cleared after a white tiger was spotted in a field in Hampshire by members of the public - only to turn out to be a stuffed toy. Police received several calls reporting sightings of the tiger in a field near Hedge End, Southampton.
Specialist staff from nearby Marwell Zoo were called in to advise and potentially tranquillise the wild animal and a local golf course was evacuated. But as police officers carefully approached the dangerous animal they realised it was not moving and the helicopter crew, using thermal imaging equipment, realised there was no heat source coming from it.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/uk-world-news/2011/11/06/train-affected-by-lion-sighting-92534-29731105/
A police helicopter was scrambled and passengers were stopped from leaving a train after police received a report of a lion on the loose.
West Yorkshire Police received a call at 3.30pm on Sunday from a woman who thought she saw a lion as she was driving in the village of Shepley near Huddersfield.
The search lasted almost two hours as officers tried to locate the lion and passengers were forced to remain onboard trains at Shepley station.
But at 5.15pm the inquiry was ended as no lions were found and there were no additional sightings.
Inspector Carlton Young, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We've had unconfirmed reports of a lion or a lion cub in the area. We've had officers looking around. At the moment we've had nothing confirmed and we've not located anyone who is claiming to have lost an animal."
Officers believe the woman - who claimed to have seen a lion on Penistone Road, Shepley - was a genuine caller. Around 12 officers were dispatched to look for a lion along with a police helicopter.
Insp Young added that the search would be resumed on Monday if there were any more reports.
National Rail Enquiries wrote on its Twitter feed: "Passengers are currently unable to alight from trains at Shepley due to reports by police of a lion in the area." It later issued an update that normal service had been resumed.
In May a police helicopter was scrambled and a golf course cleared after a white tiger was spotted in a field in Hampshire by members of the public - only to turn out to be a stuffed toy. Police received several calls reporting sightings of the tiger in a field near Hedge End, Southampton.
Specialist staff from nearby Marwell Zoo were called in to advise and potentially tranquillise the wild animal and a local golf course was evacuated. But as police officers carefully approached the dangerous animal they realised it was not moving and the helicopter crew, using thermal imaging equipment, realised there was no heat source coming from it.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/uk-world-news/2011/11/06/train-affected-by-lion-sighting-92534-29731105/
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Panther tracks found
New Carlisle resident says he saw big cat in field; deputies on hunt.
NEW CARLISLE — Several footprints that apparently belong to a large exotic cat have been found in the area.
Resident Jeff Brown said his neighbor, Matt Cooper, called him Sunday morning saying he’d spotted what looked like a panther sunning itself in his hay field in the New Carlisle area.
“He called me and said, ‘I just shot at something out back. I think I might have hit it,’ ” Brown said.
Believing it to be a black panther, the two set out with Clark County sheriff deputies but could not find it. However, they did find several footprints authorities said looked like those of a large cat.
Sheriff Gene Kelly said after receiving reports of a panther in the Harrison Twp. area in Montgomery County, he believes it could be the same cat.
“It could have followed the river and come north,” he said. “We have alerted Miami County and Champaign County since this area borders those other counties.”
Brown said he’s sure it was a panther, about 4 feet in length. He tied a large piece of venison in a nearby tree, and when he checked back hours later, something had devoured it.
Deputies are following up, and Kelly said anyone who spots the animal should notify his office and not try to catch it.
Following the release of several exotic animals in Muskingham County that had to be put down by authorities, Kelly said he’d like to apprehend the animal “in the most humane way” possible.
“We would certainly like to capture this animal safely and make sure the community is safe as well,” Kelly said.
By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer
Monday, October 24, 2011
Police Blotter: Woman Reports Panther in Her Yard (via Chad Arment)
A Knowlton Parkway woman called police about 4:50 p.m. Oct. 13 and said she was getting ready to leave her apartment but was afraid to go outside because she looked out her back window and saw a black panther outside.
Police were unable to locate a panther in the area. They told the woman it was safe to go to her car.
http://strongsville.patch.com/articles/police-blotter-woman-reports-panther-in-her-yard
Panthers Prowling in Strongsville? Good Question
When a resident on Knowlton Parkway called police Oct. 13, she was so sure she had seen a panther outside she was afraid to walk to her car.
Local animal experts say it's unlikely that's what she saw.
"I hear about sightings from time to time," Animal Warden Mike Roth said. "But when I check them out, I haven't seen any signs of them."
But others insist it's possible that a panther -- also called a puma or a cougar -- was, in fact, strolling through Strongsville because they've seen one, too.
Roseann Cyngier said her husband, Peter, spotted a huge black cat in the field behind their woods several years ago and called her over to see it.
"Later, it was sighted in Medina County," Roseann said.
A 2008 story in the Medina County Gazette said a number of people in Sharon Township had glimpsed a large cat they believed was a puma. One resident saw it slip into the woods near Chippewa Lake; another found 4-inch-wide paw prints between Brunswick and Medina.
Jane Christyson, director of marketing for Cleveland Metroparks, said big cats aren't hiding out in the woods there.
"We have not had any confirmed sightings in Cleveland Metroparks at all," she said.
But Christyson said a puma was recently killed by a car in Connecticut and found to match puma living in North Dakota, indicating that some -- or at least one -- migrated across several states.
Roth said someone reported seeing a very large cat on I-71 near Pearl Road last year, but he was unable to locate tracks, even though there was snow on the ground.
And this summer, someone in Forest Park reported seeing a panther or other big cat. "I never did see signs of it, though," Roth said.
He said he would check the area around Knowlton Parkway, but said wth leaves on the ground, it would be difficult to see paw prints.
Police were unable to locate a panther in the area. They told the woman it was safe to go to her car.
http://strongsville.patch.com/articles/police-blotter-woman-reports-panther-in-her-yard
Panthers Prowling in Strongsville? Good Question
When a resident on Knowlton Parkway called police Oct. 13, she was so sure she had seen a panther outside she was afraid to walk to her car.
Local animal experts say it's unlikely that's what she saw.
"I hear about sightings from time to time," Animal Warden Mike Roth said. "But when I check them out, I haven't seen any signs of them."
But others insist it's possible that a panther -- also called a puma or a cougar -- was, in fact, strolling through Strongsville because they've seen one, too.
Roseann Cyngier said her husband, Peter, spotted a huge black cat in the field behind their woods several years ago and called her over to see it.
"Later, it was sighted in Medina County," Roseann said.
A 2008 story in the Medina County Gazette said a number of people in Sharon Township had glimpsed a large cat they believed was a puma. One resident saw it slip into the woods near Chippewa Lake; another found 4-inch-wide paw prints between Brunswick and Medina.
Jane Christyson, director of marketing for Cleveland Metroparks, said big cats aren't hiding out in the woods there.
"We have not had any confirmed sightings in Cleveland Metroparks at all," she said.
But Christyson said a puma was recently killed by a car in Connecticut and found to match puma living in North Dakota, indicating that some -- or at least one -- migrated across several states.
Roth said someone reported seeing a very large cat on I-71 near Pearl Road last year, but he was unable to locate tracks, even though there was snow on the ground.
And this summer, someone in Forest Park reported seeing a panther or other big cat. "I never did see signs of it, though," Roth said.
He said he would check the area around Knowlton Parkway, but said wth leaves on the ground, it would be difficult to see paw prints.
http://strongsville.patch.com/articles/panthers-prowling-in-strongsville-good-question
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Big Cat seen again ,this time by non believer (via Lindsay Selby)
Change of heart by big cat sceptic
by Hector Mackenzie
Sheena MacBain - certain she saw a big cat.A ROSS-SHIRE woman who had dismissed big cat sightings as "totally fantastical" had a dramatic change of heart after seeing a mysterious black creature cross the road in front of her.Sheena MacBain, who grew up hearing about sightings of big cats, says she was always supremely sceptical about such stories until her own close encounter of an unexplained kind.Ms MacBain (46), who has a BSc in Environmental Science and is the daughter of a retired gamekeeper, was sufficiently impressed by her recent encounter to put the matter on record with local police in Dornoch, and now says, "I now know that this cat story is no longer just a story.
"Based in Fearn, she had been making her way along the low road to Dornoch at 7.30am to view a potential gardening job when the incident occurred.She said, "I was heading along the road at Cuthill when I saw what I first thought was a black labrador dog go in under the fence at the side of the road. It took me a second to register that this 'dog' actually had a long, lush cat's tail. The fact that I own a black lab, who was with me at the time, meant I knew it wasn't a labrador I saw cross that road!"
I stopped the car and could see there was a clear path down through the whin bushes and on further investigation although I didn't venture too far I could see there was actually a network of paths being used by this creature."Unsure of what to do, or whether there was someone in particular I should tell, I called into the police station at Dornoch to ask advice. The woman behind the reception desk quite literally rolled her eyes when I mentioned the words 'big cat'! She took my details and said she'd pass the information on to the wildlife liaison officer, but I have the feeling that I've been filed under 'crazy person'."
A police spokesman confirmed Northern Constabulary had dealt with a "spate" of reported big cat sightings earlier this year. Northern Constabulary itself issued a statement following two reported incidents of unexplained livestock deaths near Edderton in which they said police were "looking into the possibility that... sheep may have been attacked by a large cat, due to the nature of the injuries".
Friday, September 16, 2011
Mountain Lion sightings on the rise in the Ozarks (via Chad Arment)
Although Missouri's mountain lion sightings have increased in the past 15 years, wildlife experts say no attacks to livestock, pets or people have been reported.
The increase in sightings also may be attributed to technological advancements.
The most recent confirmed sighting, near the junction of highways 160 and 19 in Alton, was captured on a game camera.
Missouri Department of Conservation biologist Jeff Beringer said experts could not determine by the camera image the age or sex of the mountain lion, although he suspects it to be a male passing through in search of a mate.
It is the third confirmed sighting in the Missouri Ozarks since March, and the ninth in the past 10 months. On March 9, a motorist near Rover in Oregon County saw a mountain lion cross the road and get tangled briefly in a barbed wire fence. A cotton ball-sized tuft of hair taken from the fence traced that cat to South Dakota.
Both August sightings were images caught by game cameras -- one near Mountain View on the western edge of Shannon County and the latest sighting near Alton in Oregon County.
Beringer, who is with the states's mountain lion response team, said the two sightings could be the same animal, but without physical evidence to check DNA, it is only speculation.
Mountain lions have been traced from a Black Hills, S.D., colony of mountain lions to as far east as Connecticut. Beringer speculates the cats are likely young males moving through in search of females and hunting territory.
"Typically, they don't stay around,"Beringer said. "If they don't find a mate, they keep moving."
The two camera images from August did not capture the animals at the right angle to determine if they are male. The shots also were too dark to see if barring still is present on the cats' front legs. The barring is most evident on young animals, and is gone by the time they reach two years.
Young cats disperse from their natal homes at about 15 months of age. Depending on her health, a mother cat can have four or five kittens in one litter annually. The kittens do not have a high survival rate, however, Beringer said.
When the young cats leave South Dakota, they must go a long way before they find suitable habitat, such as remote Ozarks' areas, where game and shelter is ample. Mountain lions are typically shy, and will avoid humans and barking dogs.
Rex Martensen, also with the conservation department's mountain lion response team, said the images on the cameras do not appear to be that of captive lions that have escaped.
Thirty-two mountain lions are licensed for captivity in Missouri.
Captive cats tend to be overweight, Martensen said. They also will have wear marks on their elbows, such as a dog has, from laying on concrete or other hard surfaces.
Captive mountain lions also have plaque on their teeth from eating commercially prepared food. Mountain lions actually prefer to kill their food, Martensen said, although they also will eat dead game in captivity, Martensen said.
Sometimes, owners have arrangements with local conservation agents to acquire road kill, Martensen said.
Besides mountain lions, about six black bears are licensed for captivity in Missouri, as are about a dozen wolves. Black bears are probably the easiest to feed in captivity, Martensen said, because they will eat anything, such as scraps, although they need a lot of it. Black bears can reach 400-500 pounds.
Wild animals held in captivity must be caged at all times, Martensen said. The cages are inspected by conservation agents to verify sturdiness and that the animals have adequate space.
Martensen said Missouri did not begin protecting mountain lions until about the 1940s or 1950s. The last wild mountain lion killed in the state was in 1927 in the bootheel.
The next mountain lion sighting was not reported in Missouri until 1994 when two raccoon hunters treed and shot a small adult female near Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Carter County.
The carcass was never recovered, but a photo was obtained of the animal on a truck tailgate. The hunters were fined $2,000 each.
Mountain lions are a protected species that may only be killed if they attack or kill livestock or domestic animals or threaten human safety.
From 1996-2006, about one mountain lion per year was reported in Missouri. In November 2010, a landowner in Platte County photographed a mountain lion.
Since then, eight more confirmed sightings have taken place, two of which were in Oregon County and one in Shannon County. Most of the sightings are by motion-activated game cameras.
Beringer said game cameras could be contributing to the increase in sightings because inexpensive cameras are readily available, and not necessarily an indication that more mountain lions are in the area.
"Every other deer hunter out there now has a game camera," Beringer said.
Beringer said it is possible the mountain lions have always been in the Ozarks, and have remained hidden for generations.
Martensen said people should not run if they encounter a mountain lion, which can trigger a response mechanism in the cat to chase.
The best thing to do is to make yourself appear larger by spreading out your arms and backing away slowly, Martensen said.
"They don't like to fight with something if they don't think they can win," Martensen said.
For more information, go to www.missouriconservation.org and search for "mountain lion."
Linda Greer, Assistant Editor
http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1761815.html
The increase in sightings also may be attributed to technological advancements.
The most recent confirmed sighting, near the junction of highways 160 and 19 in Alton, was captured on a game camera.
Missouri Department of Conservation biologist Jeff Beringer said experts could not determine by the camera image the age or sex of the mountain lion, although he suspects it to be a male passing through in search of a mate.
It is the third confirmed sighting in the Missouri Ozarks since March, and the ninth in the past 10 months. On March 9, a motorist near Rover in Oregon County saw a mountain lion cross the road and get tangled briefly in a barbed wire fence. A cotton ball-sized tuft of hair taken from the fence traced that cat to South Dakota.
Both August sightings were images caught by game cameras -- one near Mountain View on the western edge of Shannon County and the latest sighting near Alton in Oregon County.
Beringer, who is with the states's mountain lion response team, said the two sightings could be the same animal, but without physical evidence to check DNA, it is only speculation.
Mountain lions have been traced from a Black Hills, S.D., colony of mountain lions to as far east as Connecticut. Beringer speculates the cats are likely young males moving through in search of females and hunting territory.
"Typically, they don't stay around,"Beringer said. "If they don't find a mate, they keep moving."
The two camera images from August did not capture the animals at the right angle to determine if they are male. The shots also were too dark to see if barring still is present on the cats' front legs. The barring is most evident on young animals, and is gone by the time they reach two years.
Young cats disperse from their natal homes at about 15 months of age. Depending on her health, a mother cat can have four or five kittens in one litter annually. The kittens do not have a high survival rate, however, Beringer said.
When the young cats leave South Dakota, they must go a long way before they find suitable habitat, such as remote Ozarks' areas, where game and shelter is ample. Mountain lions are typically shy, and will avoid humans and barking dogs.
Rex Martensen, also with the conservation department's mountain lion response team, said the images on the cameras do not appear to be that of captive lions that have escaped.
Thirty-two mountain lions are licensed for captivity in Missouri.
Captive cats tend to be overweight, Martensen said. They also will have wear marks on their elbows, such as a dog has, from laying on concrete or other hard surfaces.
Captive mountain lions also have plaque on their teeth from eating commercially prepared food. Mountain lions actually prefer to kill their food, Martensen said, although they also will eat dead game in captivity, Martensen said.
Sometimes, owners have arrangements with local conservation agents to acquire road kill, Martensen said.
Besides mountain lions, about six black bears are licensed for captivity in Missouri, as are about a dozen wolves. Black bears are probably the easiest to feed in captivity, Martensen said, because they will eat anything, such as scraps, although they need a lot of it. Black bears can reach 400-500 pounds.
Wild animals held in captivity must be caged at all times, Martensen said. The cages are inspected by conservation agents to verify sturdiness and that the animals have adequate space.
Martensen said Missouri did not begin protecting mountain lions until about the 1940s or 1950s. The last wild mountain lion killed in the state was in 1927 in the bootheel.
The next mountain lion sighting was not reported in Missouri until 1994 when two raccoon hunters treed and shot a small adult female near Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Carter County.
The carcass was never recovered, but a photo was obtained of the animal on a truck tailgate. The hunters were fined $2,000 each.
Mountain lions are a protected species that may only be killed if they attack or kill livestock or domestic animals or threaten human safety.
From 1996-2006, about one mountain lion per year was reported in Missouri. In November 2010, a landowner in Platte County photographed a mountain lion.
Since then, eight more confirmed sightings have taken place, two of which were in Oregon County and one in Shannon County. Most of the sightings are by motion-activated game cameras.
Beringer said game cameras could be contributing to the increase in sightings because inexpensive cameras are readily available, and not necessarily an indication that more mountain lions are in the area.
"Every other deer hunter out there now has a game camera," Beringer said.
Beringer said it is possible the mountain lions have always been in the Ozarks, and have remained hidden for generations.
Martensen said people should not run if they encounter a mountain lion, which can trigger a response mechanism in the cat to chase.
The best thing to do is to make yourself appear larger by spreading out your arms and backing away slowly, Martensen said.
"They don't like to fight with something if they don't think they can win," Martensen said.
For more information, go to www.missouriconservation.org and search for "mountain lion."
Linda Greer, Assistant Editor
http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1761815.html
Monday, September 5, 2011
OH: Black leopard sightings still being reported (via Chad Arment)
Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer
Dayton Daily News
Thursday, September 1, 2011
HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County — A black leopard that has been roaming the area was sighted two more times this week, according to law enforcement officials and a resident.
Chris Walden of the 4500 block of Lofty Oaks Lane said he was looking out a window in his home and noticed a large black cat-like animal walking across his yard Wednesday night.
"It was like stalking, the way it was walking," Walden said. "He was stalking real cautious. Real aware of everything around him. "
Walden estimates that the dark animal weighed between 160 to 200 pounds. The sight of the animal prompted Walden to call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Outreach for Animals, Inc., a local nonprofit that deals with exotic animals found in residential areas.
"It's definitely someone's pet that got out," outreach director Tim Harrison said of the leopard, which is commonly known as a black panther..
He believes the leopard could have been among the leopard cubs sold at an uncredited zoo and rescue facility in Mount Hope, Ohio, about five or six years ago. Harrison's organization discovered that this zoo, which was located in Amish country, was selling black leopard and cougar cubs.
Ohio does not regulate private ownership of dangerous wild animals, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Harrison pointed out that when the buyers bought these cubs they were cute and adorable. By now, that might not be the case with these animals.
"They are either going to escape or get turned loose," Harrison said of the animals . "I predict now that there is going to be an explosion of black leopards and cougars (throughout Ohio).
This week's earlier sighting occurred Tuesday when a person reported seeing an animal near the wooded area along the Stillwater River near Shoup Mill Road and Riverside Drive, according to Montgomery County Sheriff's Major Dave Hale.
The leopard has been spotted at least five or six times in the last 14 or 15 months, Hale said.
"The likelihood of trapping an animal like that is pretty small," Hale said. "If we have a sighting, we will take the appropriate steps.."
So far, the sheriff's office has not had a report of the leopard approaching a human.
Harrison recommends that people not move when they spot a leopard because moving or running may trigger a chase instinct in the animal.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/black-leopard-sightings-still-being-reported-1243913.html
Dayton Daily News
Thursday, September 1, 2011
HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County — A black leopard that has been roaming the area was sighted two more times this week, according to law enforcement officials and a resident.
Chris Walden of the 4500 block of Lofty Oaks Lane said he was looking out a window in his home and noticed a large black cat-like animal walking across his yard Wednesday night.
"It was like stalking, the way it was walking," Walden said. "He was stalking real cautious. Real aware of everything around him. "
Walden estimates that the dark animal weighed between 160 to 200 pounds. The sight of the animal prompted Walden to call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Outreach for Animals, Inc., a local nonprofit that deals with exotic animals found in residential areas.
"It's definitely someone's pet that got out," outreach director Tim Harrison said of the leopard, which is commonly known as a black panther..
He believes the leopard could have been among the leopard cubs sold at an uncredited zoo and rescue facility in Mount Hope, Ohio, about five or six years ago. Harrison's organization discovered that this zoo, which was located in Amish country, was selling black leopard and cougar cubs.
Ohio does not regulate private ownership of dangerous wild animals, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Harrison pointed out that when the buyers bought these cubs they were cute and adorable. By now, that might not be the case with these animals.
"They are either going to escape or get turned loose," Harrison said of the animals . "I predict now that there is going to be an explosion of black leopards and cougars (throughout Ohio).
This week's earlier sighting occurred Tuesday when a person reported seeing an animal near the wooded area along the Stillwater River near Shoup Mill Road and Riverside Drive, according to Montgomery County Sheriff's Major Dave Hale.
The leopard has been spotted at least five or six times in the last 14 or 15 months, Hale said.
"The likelihood of trapping an animal like that is pretty small," Hale said. "If we have a sighting, we will take the appropriate steps.."
So far, the sheriff's office has not had a report of the leopard approaching a human.
Harrison recommends that people not move when they spot a leopard because moving or running may trigger a chase instinct in the animal.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/black-leopard-sightings-still-being-reported-1243913.html
Friday, September 2, 2011
Black leopard reportedly sighted again in Ohio
DAYTON, Ohio - A black leopard reportedly sighted several times in southwest Ohio apparently has been seen again in the Dayton area.
Maj. Dave Hale of the Montgomery County Sheriff's says a person reported seeing the animal Tuesday near a wooded area along the Stillwater River in Harrison Township. Hale says the leopard has been spotted at least five or six times in the past 14 or 15 months.
The Dayton Daily News reports reports that the leopard appears to be staying close to the wooded area near the river.
Hale says the sheriff's office has not had any reports of the leopard approaching a human. He says its unlikely authorities could trap the animal.
Read more: http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/black-leopard-reportedly-sighted-again-in-ohio#ixzz1WjHodfIz
Maj. Dave Hale of the Montgomery County Sheriff's says a person reported seeing the animal Tuesday near a wooded area along the Stillwater River in Harrison Township. Hale says the leopard has been spotted at least five or six times in the past 14 or 15 months.
The Dayton Daily News reports reports that the leopard appears to be staying close to the wooded area near the river.
Hale says the sheriff's office has not had any reports of the leopard approaching a human. He says its unlikely authorities could trap the animal.
Read more: http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/black-leopard-reportedly-sighted-again-in-ohio#ixzz1WjHodfIz
Monday, August 15, 2011
Increased cougar sightings in Allen Co. (via Chad Arment)
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - There's growing concern that a cougar could be lurking around southwest Allen County. The DNR has gotten at least four reports of sightings in four different locations in that area.
Bob Girod is an eye witness to one of the sitings; he said he saw one in his own backyard after he heard his dog barking.
"All three of us went to the window and we looked out the kitchen window and right outside the window beneath the security light we saw a large cat. I'm estimating about 50 lbs. He had a long swooping tail and very characteristic ears and face."
Girod, who's a Fort Wayne police officer, reacted quickly. "I said 'gun.' My son grabbed a gun and racked a round into it and as he worked the action, the cat heard it and moved its head up toward the window and looked up at us."
Girod said the cougar then ran into the woods. He called the Department of Natural Resources, but officers there aren't as convinced that it was actually a mountain lion.
"In order for DNR to make a confirmation presence, we need to have some hard evidence: photos, tracks, scat, something like that, that our folks can look at," explained DNR Communications Director Phil Bloom.
Officials said there have been more than 200 reported sightings across Indiana in the past year. There's proof in fewer than 20 of the cases and only one has been confirmed in Greene County. The cougar there was captured by a trail camera.
Girod has put up his own camera in hopes of capturing an image of what he's already seen. There are no pictures yet, but he said he has all the proof he needs In the x-rays from when his dog McHale was attacked.
"He (the veterinarian) said he was not hit by a car, it was not a gunshot. He said they were puncture bites that looked like bite marks. Forensically speaking, it was his opinion it was a cat bite not a dog bite. The only cat he thought could possibly break a leg on a dog that size would be a cougar," recalled Girod.
DNR officials are still looking at the x-rays and encourage people to call if they see anything unusual.
"We're not saying that those reports are false or inaccurate," Bloom said. "We just need to have some hard evidence for one of our biologists to say, 'Yes, that is indeed a mountain lion."
The DNR said there have been reports in nearby states like Illinois, so it's not unreasonable to think the animals could migrate to Indiana. "Anything's possible. Particularly the young males will move out. There has been increased evidence of some movement out of the Dakotas into the surrounding states," said Bloom.
What should you do if you actually come across a cougar? Bloom had these tips:
Bob Girod is an eye witness to one of the sitings; he said he saw one in his own backyard after he heard his dog barking.
"All three of us went to the window and we looked out the kitchen window and right outside the window beneath the security light we saw a large cat. I'm estimating about 50 lbs. He had a long swooping tail and very characteristic ears and face."
Girod, who's a Fort Wayne police officer, reacted quickly. "I said 'gun.' My son grabbed a gun and racked a round into it and as he worked the action, the cat heard it and moved its head up toward the window and looked up at us."
Girod said the cougar then ran into the woods. He called the Department of Natural Resources, but officers there aren't as convinced that it was actually a mountain lion.
"In order for DNR to make a confirmation presence, we need to have some hard evidence: photos, tracks, scat, something like that, that our folks can look at," explained DNR Communications Director Phil Bloom.
Officials said there have been more than 200 reported sightings across Indiana in the past year. There's proof in fewer than 20 of the cases and only one has been confirmed in Greene County. The cougar there was captured by a trail camera.
Girod has put up his own camera in hopes of capturing an image of what he's already seen. There are no pictures yet, but he said he has all the proof he needs In the x-rays from when his dog McHale was attacked.
"He (the veterinarian) said he was not hit by a car, it was not a gunshot. He said they were puncture bites that looked like bite marks. Forensically speaking, it was his opinion it was a cat bite not a dog bite. The only cat he thought could possibly break a leg on a dog that size would be a cougar," recalled Girod.
DNR officials are still looking at the x-rays and encourage people to call if they see anything unusual.
"We're not saying that those reports are false or inaccurate," Bloom said. "We just need to have some hard evidence for one of our biologists to say, 'Yes, that is indeed a mountain lion."
The DNR said there have been reports in nearby states like Illinois, so it's not unreasonable to think the animals could migrate to Indiana. "Anything's possible. Particularly the young males will move out. There has been increased evidence of some movement out of the Dakotas into the surrounding states," said Bloom.
What should you do if you actually come across a cougar? Bloom had these tips:
- don't approach it
- don't run from it
- make eye contact
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Cops' 'big cat' plea after Edderton slaying
 |
| A reported 'big cat' sighting near Embo earlier this year |
by Hector Mackenzie
POLICE are appealing for public help in probing a possible big cat link following a series of mysterious livestock deaths.
Two separate attacks in the Edderton Hill area of Sutherland - close to reported "big cat" sightings revealed earlier this year in the Ross-shire Journal - have prompted Northern Constabulary to issue a public statement looking for information.
The attacks were reported on June 4 and June 9 in two locations, both in the Edderton Hill area of Sutherland.
Police "are looking into the possibility that the sheep may have been attacked by a large cat, due to the nature of the injuries".
Anyone who has any information which may assist enquiries is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5703.
The latest development comes in the wake of a spate of unexplained deaths of sheep on nearby Rheguile Farm. A total of 18 sheep had been reported savaged since the beginning of the year, many stripped to the bone.
The Journal also at the end of April detailed sightings reported by a pair of Tain-based sisters when they were out driving near Embo. They remain convinced that the creature they saw, and watched at a distance for around five minutres, was not a domestic cat.
Big cat speculation has been fuelled by several other sightings and mysterious finds of remains - including those of a deer at Upper Braefindon on the Black Isle.
Can you shed any light on the latest mystery? Contact the Journal and see next week's paper for an update. Email at editor@rsjournal.co.uk
http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/News/Cops-big-cat-plea-after-Edderton-slaying-10062011.htm
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Bradford Council launches investigation after big cat sighting in Shipley
 |
| A sighting of a lynx has been reported in Shipley |
By Marc Meneaud
Bradford Council is investigating a reported sighting of a “three-foot lynx” cat near the River Aire in Shipley. A woman dog walker from Bingley spotted what she was convinced was a big cat dash out of woodland – chasing a deer – near Nab Wood.
Former RSPCA officer Pam Laking said the woman, who did not want to be named, had reported the sighting to vets and Bradford Council’s countryside service.
Bob Thorp, the Council’s trees and woodlands manager, said Lynx are not native to Britain, but it was “not impossible” that a lynx could have escaped from someone who had imported it as a pet.
Mrs Laking, who is chairman of the Friends of St Ives group in Bingley, said: “This woman was convinced that what she saw was a big cat. She was walking her dog by the river between Nab Wood and Hirst Wood and suddenly a deer shot out in front of a three-foot lynx.
“I can totally believe it. Everybody is ringing everybody else saying ‘be careful’ when they are walking their dogs.”
Mr Thorp said: “It is unlikely that a lynx cat is living in Hirst Wood as we have not had any other reported sightings, but then again it is not impossible as it could have escaped from someone who had imported it.
“The lynx is not native to Britain, so if it is a lynx – which has not been verified – it must have been brought in from outside the country.”
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/9040843._I_saw_lynx_run_from_woodland_/
Monday, May 23, 2011
Forget Nessie... big cat is stalking locals
Spooked Loch Ness locals are being terrorized by a new monster - a giant cat that has savaged farm animals and pets, thesun.co.uk reported Saturday.
People living on the banks of the famous lake have urged police to hunt down the black beast amid fears it could attack and even kill a child, the report said.
The big cat has been spotted prowling in hills and around homes, and is thought to be behind maulings of a dog and a lamb.
Katrina Wallace is too afraid to let her three young kids outside at night after hubby Jim glimpsed the animal outside their home by the loch south of Inverness.
The mum, of Bunloit, said: "We have two black labradors and he thought it was one of those but then realized they were inside," according to the Sun.
She has taken photos of the body of a badly mauled lamb that had a large puncture wound on the back of its neck.
One of the family dogs was also attacked ― by something large enough to try to haul the labrador away. Terrified Katrina, 38, said: "The vet said it could only get an injury like that if it had been dragged," the newspaper said.
Highland Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "I believe this is a public safety issue. The police need to take this seriously."
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/05/182_87484.html
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Appeal to trace tiger toy owner after police alert
 |
A concerned member of the public contacted police believing the stuffed toy was a real tiger |
Police are trying to trace the owner of a life-sized tiger toy which sparked a major police alert in Hampshire over fears a real animal was on the loose.
Officers were deployed and a helicopter was scrambled with specialist thermal imaging cameras over the field, near Hedge End, on Saturday afternoon.
The scare stopped play at the Rose Bowl cricket ground for 20 minutes.
Hampshire police said the toy was being treated as lost property but they were investigating whether it was a hoax.
They said they did not know how it got there but was similar to one which would be won at a fair.
Tranquiliser darts
The alarm was raised by a member of the public who spotted what they thought was an escaped white tiger hiding in a field, through a camera's zoom lens.
Officers said they had responded as if it was a real incident, close to junction seven of the M27.
 |
| The stuffed toy is being treated as lost property |
John Pullen, curator of mammals, said: "We offered advice to the police and we immediately gathered a team of staff who have been trained to deal with situations such as this.
"We were moments away from making the journey when we received a call from police to say it was a stuffed toy."
Golfers at County Golf Club were also escorted from the course and Saturday's cricket game between Hamsphire Academy and South Wilts was suspended for about half an hour.
Tony Middleton, Hampshire Cricket Academy director, added: "Rumours came round that there was a tiger on the golf course and we just carried on playing until a policeman came over and told us to clear the area.
"I assumed there was [a tiger] with everything that was going on, but we felt quite safe here."
Officers discovered it to be a stuffed toy after it rolled over in the down draft from the police helicopter.
"It is being treated as lost property but we don't know how it came to be in the field and whether it may have been a hoax.
"Police are keen to reiterate that they have a duty to protect the public and therefore take calls of this nature as serious as any other calls reporting potential dangers to members of the public," a spokeswoman said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-13491268
(Submitted by Sherri Joyce)
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