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Lion Tamer Convinced Picture Shows Ulster's Black Panther.
Photograph taken in fields near Slieve Bearnaigh, Mourne Mountains, Ulster.
A former lion-tamer who used to work for Chipperfield's Circus today said he was convinced that the big black cat pictured roaming the Ulster countryside in yesterday's Belfast Telegraph is a black panther.
Stephen Bradley, a former lion-tamer who now lives in Coleraine, said he was "not surprised" at the latest sighting as he knows people in Northern Ireland own such exotic cats as pets.
Mr Bradley, who bears the scars of a big cat attack, said: "People are always surprised at how small panthers are - they are no bigger than a Labrador dog but quite stocky, which is why at first glance you might just think it is a dog.
"It is the long rope-like tail that convinces me that this is a panther."
Following yesterday's exclusive pictures, which were taken by a Dublin-based doctor, another man has come forward claiming he saw a similar beast in Killyleagh.
Lisburn man Tommy Thomas claims he saw a large, black puma-like cat.
Belfast Telegraph: 1st October 2003
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.
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