'Don't Believe All the Big Cat Scare Stores.'
He fears someone could get shot if gangs start stalking the Forest for
animals he says are timid.
Woolaston farmer Mr Fraser said: "There's far more chance of someone
being killed by people wandering around with shotguns trying to shoot
these things than them actually killing someone.
"I don't think we should be sending out armed posses to catch these
creatures. If you were going to do that you would send out a
professional hunter."
Mr Fraser has seen a big cat crossing the A48 in Blakeney which he
believes was a puma.
He said they live in the trees and don't usually attack people.
Mr Fraser suggested Bengal domestic cats could be mistaken for the
cubs of big cats.
Danny Nineham, a big cat expert, is worried that irresponsible hunters
armed with guns have started to comb the woods for the black beast.
The warnings follow a spate of sightings in the Cinderford area and at
Bullo Pill.
In Cinderford residents are calling for official help to capture a big
cat that is prowling around woodland which backs on to the Linear Park.
Artist Tricia Bonser, who lives in Steam Mills, says the puma-like
creature has driven her and her dog Susie out of the area twice.
# Have you seen a big cat? If so, please ring chief reporter Rachael
Orchard at The Forester on 01594 820606.
The Forester: 2nd November 2006
