Panther Prowls Gwent
By Nathan Bevan
IF YOU experience a strange feline walking in the Gwent forests it's because there could be a panther on the loose.
A Cwmbran man has spoken of how he feared for his life when he took snaps of a big black cat that he stumbled across in a wooded area just three miles from his home.
And the British Big Cat Society has confirmed that the beast seen near Henllys Village is indeed a fully grown panther.
"I couldn't believe my eyes, I was in utter shock," said 43-year-old Norman Evans.
"I had a heart attack three years ago and really thought this might spark another one."
But Mr Evans managed to get shots of the animal before making a getaway in his Jeep, adding that he wouldn't return until it was caught.
Cwmbran Police have confirmed there have been similar reports of big cats roaming that area of South Wales "over the past couple of years".
Wales On Sunday: 17th 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.