(Original Headline: ON THE TRAIL OF A BIG CAT )
Does yet another big cat sighting mean pumas and panthers have adapted to the British climate and are breeding in the woodlands of East Sussex?
Yes, thinks Linda Martin, landlady of the Bulls Head in Boreham Street who rang the Express with the story.
Linda's husband Gordon got up at about 5am on Friday morning to use the bathroom.
While he was there he looked out of the window.
He saw a large black shape sitting quietly in the middle of a field.
As he watched, it got up to its feet, flicked its long tail and quietly melted into the shadows.
Linda said: 'You can imagine what the customers said when we told them.
'But we hadn't been drinking and Gordon definitely saw it.
'Some friends who breed ponies along Wartling Lane have also seen it.
'I wonder if there is just one roaming around or perhaps there are a lot.'
Gordon's experience follows several sightings around the area, from the Cuckmere Valley, Seaford and Glynde up to the Cuckoo Trail and Chandlers BMW dealership forecourt in Hailsham.
Experts firmly believe these cats are now well established in England as sightings are becoming more and more frequent.
l Linda said she and Gordon are now the double butt of jokes as they have already organised a Ghostwatch session in the pub for September 10.
Professional ghostwatchers will be looking for psychic manifestations between midnight and 6am on the night of September 10.
If you'd like to see what they find in the 300-year-old building give her a ring on 01323 831981.
If you've seen one give us a ring on 01273 484737 and ask for Pumawatch.
.:Story originally published by:.
Lewes Today Sussex / England / Lyndsey Wright - July 25.05
