Wild cats - in South Wales?

whinosp · #1 (**permalink**) 29-10-2009, 10:38 PM

Hello,

I am a little confused and slightly embarassed to ask this, but I think I have seen a cat I cant identify in some coniferous woodland in South Wales.

I was riding my mountain bike through the wood when about 50 metres ahead of me I saw a cat that was larger than normal, wih a big head and bushy tail pop out of the trees and stop to sniff something at the side of the trail. I tried to brake gently, but the sound of me braking disturbed the cat who disappeared into the trees on the opposite side of the trail.

The woodland was at 250 metres, with farmland and patches of woodland (mixed) for a fairly extensive area maybe 25 square miles on hilltops.

Does anyone know of any sightings? Hours on Google doesn't give many answers, and a wild cat seems to fit the description best - but only in Scotland, so...

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 29-10-2009, 10:51 PM

Hi Whin, and welcome to WAB

When you say 'Wild cat', do you mean the true wildcat found in Scotland, or an 'Escapee' big-cat type, such as those that may be pumas, lynx and the like? I thought I had a sighting recently, but the cat turned out to be an Egyptian Mau... they're kind of Lynx-like in the right light... see thread: [ID] Which wild cat?

Take care,

Jason

whinosp · #3 (**permalink**) 30-10-2009, 12:37 PM

I think I mean the Scottish wildcat. My first response on seeing it was 'a lynx? In wales?' but by the time I had stopped and had a closer look I realised it had the wrong markings, tufted ears etc.

I might have to go wlking up there today (with my camera) and see what I can find.

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 30-10-2009, 12:48 PM

Yes, take the camera! I'm glad I had mine with me that day...

mikecat1 · #5 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 09:57 PM

hello
just reading your post. we have a farm andlost 3 sheep this week.
what area of wales did see the cats ?? ive been trying to get some help but not sure where to start ??
regards
mike
ps.... all 3 sheep were skined smashed rib cage bones stripped and teeth marks around the kneck 1 of the sheep found up a tree

whinosp · #6 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 12:44 PM

Hello Mike,

I was riding on the hill behind the wind turbines above Glyncorrwg/Cymmer. The land seems to be a fairly unused for recreation and there is a big area for something to hide. Are you anywhere near?

Despite continuing to check I haven't heard of any sightings, and have no idea where to report one, apart from this forum.

Hope that helps.

jannie · #7 (**permalink**) 23-11-2009, 09:26 PM

brill news,i am new here and i have been following the black panther in Bolton for some years.Any info on your cat would be great,Wales has had many sightings over the years of wild cats and of course the big cats.

TheSeagull · #8 (**permalink**) 23-11-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikecat1

hello
just reading your post. we have a farm andlost 3 sheep this week.
what area of wales did see the cats ?? ive been trying to get some help but not sure where to start ??
regards
mike
ps.... all 3 sheep were skined smashed rib cage bones stripped and teeth marks around the kneck 1 of the sheep found up a tree

Hi,
I don't know much about sightings in Wales but the injuries you describe sound a bit severe for a Wildcat, which is just noticeably bigger than a normal house cat.

jannie · #9 (**permalink**) 24-11-2009, 11:25 AM

sheep up the tree yes it would suggest a bigger cat,a few sheep this year on Saddleworth moor,Yorkshire were found with the exact same markings.Its not a pretty sight and must be annoying to the farmers.Where our big cat is located in Bolton,Mosses Gate,the small forest is occupied with a lot of deer and wild boar which i havent come across yet,but have found hair on the bark of a tree,droppings and hoof marks.There is a few stables surrounding the forest,one my son was looking after a horse there.So far none of the ponies nor horses have been touched.Sounds like it could be a older cat and your sheep are easy prey.

James Blake · #10 (**permalink**) 24-11-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whinosp

Despite continuing to check I haven't heard of any sightings, and have no idea where to report one, apart from this forum.

Hi

There are several organisations that would be interested in your sightings, e.g.:
British Big Cats - British Big Cats Society, Prove and Protect, Big Cat Sightings, Official Website

I'm not sure how these organisations differ from each other, or whether they all talk to each other, but sending details to one will I imagine reach a lot of the interested people.

Googling something like' alien big cats' will come up with more sites.

best wishes
James