'It's Out There'
POLICE have issued a warning following sightings of a panther-type cat
roaming Dwyfor.
The astonishing story started earlier this year but sightings have increased
over the past few weeks with stories of the wild cat now spreading through
the region.
The creature has been spotted in fields across Golan, Cwm Pennant,
Ystradllyn and Penmorfa with witnesses describing the animal as big, black
and very agile.
The latest sighting was on Sunday at Ynys Pandy holiday accommodation at
Golan by a local farmer, who did not want to give his name, who saw the
creature moving into undergrowth.
He said: "I could not believe my eyes and picked up binoculars to make sure
it wasn't an illusion or that my eyes were playing tricks.
"What I saw was amazing! "The animal was very big, bigger than a dog, black
and had a very long tail. It walked across the land like a cat; low down and
very stealthy, and moved into marsh land at the bottom of the field.
"It was a very impressive creature and I called my wife to take a look - she
had no doubts either and we watched it for a few minutes. "There have been
lots of sightings so there's something out there."
When informed of the sighting, owner of Ynys Pandy, Tom Jenkins, went to
investigate and found the remains of a half-eaten sheep birth-sac and
markings resembling a large paw print.
Due to the number of sightings and possible dangers, North Wales Police are
asking the public to be careful when walking on farmland near Porthmadog.
A spokesman said: "North Wales Police get a number of 'big cat' calls and we
keep an open mind.
"We would call on the public not to approach the animal if spotted, and
definitely not to go out looking to kill it. If anyone can get a hair or
stool sample that would be helpful in determining what it is.
"We would consider our response if public safety was an issue."
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA concluded: "There have been quite a few reports
of panther-type cats being seen in the wild across the UK, including
Scotland, Shropshire and Southern Wales.
"They can live in the wild but what people see may not be what they believe
it to be. We do ask people to be careful in areas where they are spotted,
especially with livestock.
"Large cats are sometimes bought at birth but when they grow owners just let
them free. It is hard to say how they get into the wild. "If anyone sees the
animal they should contact the RSPCA and the police immediately."
Caernarfon Herald: 28th April 2005
Do you have any information on the above news item. Were you the person involved, or are you aware of any more sightings in this area. We would appreciate any information that you could give us.