Big Cat Sighting Reports Come In
By Ruth Keeling
More reports have come in to the Oxford Mail about sightings of a big cat in the county.
Jo Naylor told the Mail of her surprise when she looked out of her daughter's bedroom window and saw a giant cat-like creature skulking in fields near her Carswell house.
After watching transfixed for about 15 minutes as the animal prowled, Mrs Naylor, 51, rushed to get her camera to take a snap of the beast.
And it seems she was not alone. The Oxford Mail appealed for other big cat sightings and Mrs Naylor's tale brought back memories of encounters for two readers.
Ian Maccormick said he had a similar experience this time last year.
He was driving home to Livingstone Close in Yarnton at about 8pm when he stopped at a level crossing in Sandy Lane.
He was amazed when what he described as a panther walked over the railway line right in front of him. Mr Maccormick said: "It was definitely a big cat. It was 30 yards away and I had my headlights on full beam. It never even looked at me."
He said he had not doubt that the animal was a big cat, adding: "It was a perfectly clear night. It crossed over the railway line and totally ignored me."
Mr Maccormick reported the incident to the police and the Big Cat Society.
Eileen Russell was driving in Fawler, near Charlbury, in December when a large, black cat leaped across the road and forced her to slam on the brakes.
She said: "I wondered what the heck it was. I couldn't believe it. I was born here and I have never seen anything like it.
"I never believed the stories before, but I do now. It was all quite a shock. It was the size of an Alsatian, but longer.
"I was so amazed, I had to come home and tell everybody. I don't know if they believed it. One person asked if I had been drinking."
Mrs Russell, who lives in Fawler, believes there may be more than one giant cat in Oxfordshire. She said: "They think there are quite a few hanging about. I work for the police in Charlbury and people often come in to say they have seen it."
Oxfordshire Mail: 12th October 2006
