(Original Headline: The cat came back )
A black panther, capable of covering an estimated 25 kilometres in a night, is believed to be at large in the South Hams.
Danny Bamping, from the British Big Cats Society, is convinced that a fast-moving feline is responsible for a shocking attack on a Jersey cow, which suffered mouth and face injuries, at Langage Farm in Plympton. And the same animal could be the gigantic black cat spotted at various locations throughout the South Hams in recent weeks, according to Plymouth-based Mr Bamping.
Kim Lock, from Ringmore, is one of several readers who have contacted South Hams Newspapers this week to report her own big cat sighting.
Ms Lock said: ‘I was driving home from work, and as I approached Seven Stones’ Corner near St Ann’s Chapel, a large black cat jumped out of the hedge into the road in front of me.
‘As I got closer to it, I could see it was like a panther and, as I slowed down, it stood and stared at me for about 30 seconds.
‘It then jumped back in the hedge. I was more amazed than scared as you hear about big cats but don’t really think you will see them.’
Mr Bamping wants anyone who has spotted something similar to contact him.
‘It could be the same one, if you look at the recent sightings and plotted a map,’ he said.
‘A black cat, which we believe is a panther due to its size and colour, has been seen from Tamerton Foliot in Plymouth right up to Wrangaton. If it’s a panther, it would be capable of travelling huge distances overnight, up to 25 kilometres.’ But he insisted that that animals do not pose a danger to the public – unless they are threatened.
However, the big cat expert’s assurances may not appease animal owners or farmers in the wake of the Langage Farm attack and another startling suspected big cat mauling in the South Hams nearly two years ago. As reported by South Hams Newspapers in August 2003, a three-year-old horse suffered horrific bite marks and claw wounds at South Brent. Nevertheless, Mr Bamping’s 12-year-old group – which is based at Dartmoor Wildlife Park in Sparkwell – does not want to see big cats killed and is keen to glean more information about the mystery creatures.
For more information on the British Big Cats Society, or to report a big cat incident, visit www.britishbigcats.org or call Mr Bamping on 01752 226535.
Have you spotted a big cat? Call Euan Reedie on 01752 893255 or email him at ppinews@internet-today.co.uk
