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Large Black Cat Spotted Inside RAF Mawgan.
Issued: Monday, 5th April 2004 at 0700am
Personnel conducting recent night maneouvre exercises inside the perimeter of RAF St Mawgan witnessed a large black cat walking within the airfield. The cat-like creature was observed for various lengths of time by 3 separate personnel, each of whom was using night-vision optical aids, at different locations at RAF St Mawgan. Speculation that this could be the so-called 'Beast of Bodmin' grew after the observers described the creature as being between 5 and 6 feet long, completely black, with a head similar to that of a puma or panther. One observer who saw the creature said that a fox was also seen at the same time and in the same field of view and described the creature as being "five times the length of the fox." The second observer stated that the animal was the same length as a six-foot tall man, except it was clearly walking on four legs.
An RAF spokesman declined to identify precisely where and when the sightings took place, citing the need to maintain the location's integrity for further investigation. The RAF also refused to identify the personnel concerned, who had requested not to have their identities revealed. Squadron Leader Dave Webster said, "We need to maintain the integrity of the sighting area so the zoologists can ascertain whether or not the creature was in transit or if it is has become a more frequent visitor." He also added a warning, stating, "The zoological specialists who are on site are keen to get on with their job of determining how often this creature has visited RAF St Mawgan. This is an active military installation, which is regularly patrolled and guarded. In the present security climate it would be extremely unwise for anyone to attempt to venture onto the base in an attempt to see if this creature is still here."

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RAF St Mawgan staff consulted with a variety of scientific and zoological specialists to determine the best manner of investigating the sightings. Group Captain Jim Goodbourn, the air-base's Commanding Officer, gave authority for specialist monitoring and detection equipment to be sited around the area where the sightings took place. This equipment operates by motion detection and tracking apparatus coupled to an infra-red and low light capable camera. Specialist advice came from Mr Mike Thomas, former Director of Newquay Zoo and a patron of The British Big Cats Society who co-ordinate reported sightings of Big Cats throughout the UK.
RAF St Mawgan spokesman Squadron Leader Dave Webster said that the RAF had an over-riding duty of care to ensure the safety of military and civilian personnel, as well as that of dependants who make use of the station's recreational and leisure facilities. Should the creature prove to be a frequent visitor to the Cornish air-base, the RAF and zoological experts will make every possible attempt to ensure it is captured humanely, so it can be examined by the appropriate zoological experts. "The RAF have acknowledged the need to investigate this phenomenon in a totally scientific manner," said Mike Thomas adding, "I am glad to see that the RAF have taken a sensible approach by calling in the experts to advise on this matter."

Note To Editors: For the reasons stated in this press release, we will not be divulging the location of these sightings. Further updates on the progress of our investigations will be made if there is anything of consequence to report.
RAF Mawgnan Press Release: 5th April 2004.