Big cat, North Hertfordshire - do they exist?

[Bombardier]

Good evening all,

I was just wondering - is there proof that we have big cats living wild in the UK?

The reason I ask is becuase earlier today my wife was out walking dog with our two boys. The walk goes across some fields, skirts the edge of a small wood before passing through the woods.

My wife and the dog were skirting along the edge of these woods, the boys were on the path below just inside the woods.
This is when the boys saw a 'massive cat, a bit bigger than Bear' (our GSD).

The boys, being big and brave at 9 and 6 years old, ran back to tell Mum!

The youngest didnt see the cat but heard a strange noise, it was low and I think more grunt like.......not a roar.

I am curious to know what more experinced wildlife people think, the boys are adamant it was a big black cat.

Can you help?

Thanks,

Edd

[Dogghound]

There has never been anything conclusive to suggest big cat's exist in the UK. Bigger than a bear would be bigger than virtually all the worlds cat species (depending on the type of bear).

Its likely it was a large domestic cat or a dog, badger etc.

[Bombardier]

I wish I had actually read some other posts before starting this thread.....obviously it is a very difficult thing to prove as there seems to be no definate proof/evidence.

My fault for not making it clear, but Bear is the name of our German Shepherd dog.

I know the spot that the boys are talking about...wish it was lighter so I could look for some tracks as it is really muddy in the woods.

[Farplace]

Take a camera tomorrow - It will still be muddy

[Bombardier]

I think I will take that camera!

To be honest, surely there would obvious signs that we had a big predator on the loose?

Angry farmers, missing livestock and so forth?

[ViperaBerus]

Originally Posted by Bombardier

I think I will take that camera!

To be honest, surely there would obvious signs that we had a big predator on the loose?

Angry farmers, missing livestock and so forth?

Missing livestock is common. It's usually attributed to our native fauna and people.

[STYRBJORN]

Now, angry livestock and missing farmers - that would be interesting! Seriously, we seem to have a consensus on WAB that it may be the case that there are a few, ie single numbers of, escaped exotic cats at large in Britain, but the vast majority of "sightings" are honest mistakes.

[Bombardier]

Thankyou for your replies.

I know its difficult for someone to believe, especially as it two young boys without any knid of evidence to back up what they saw.

They are not daft, they know about dogs, cats and badgers and wouldnt confuse these with a big cat.

That said, I do believe my boys saw something and I just wish they'd had a camera strapped to their heads!

[The Woodman]

Originally Posted by Bombardier

The youngest didnt see the cat but heard a strange noise, it was low and I think more grunt like.......not a roar.

Hi Edd

Have you got wild boar in Herts?

[Farplace]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Hi Edd

Have you got wild boar in Herts?

That's a good idea.... When you go out with the camera to look for tracks, it should be easy to spot any wild boar prints in mud.