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Accept Facts of the Big Cats

The Citizen: 21st August 2008

The Gloucestershire Echo
   
I Refer to the big cat sighting by a walker in Cinderford (The Citizen, August 9).
I spoke to the person called Steve who witnessed the animal chasing a small deer (muntjac) in Linear Park. He was with his girlfriend who also saw the big cat.
I have been investigating sightings and other evidence of these so-called "big cats" for many years.
They are living comfortably in our countryside, their preferred prey being deer, of which we have plenty, the diminutive muntjac and larger roe being ideal for their needs.
Contrary to popular belief, these cats do enter urban areas and are often seen in rural towns and villages, usually after dusk.
Although sometimes pet rabbits and smaller dogs and cats are at risk from these predators, if there is sufficient natural prey around, they are generally ignored.
Winter, when the cover of foliage is lacking, and stalking and hunting is more difficult, pets and smaller livestock would then be more attractive to them.
There is now overwhelming eyewitness and field evidence - ie: deer kills, fur, pad and scratch marks - to prove that these anomalous big cats are part of our British wildlife. Two thousand reported sightings in one year throughout the UK by responsible people cements this fact.
Soon these big cats will have to be accepted and classified as part of our fauna.
The 1976 Dangerous Animals Act greatly increased the amount of big, exotic felines living in our countryside.
Black leopard types are most popularly seen, but puma and lynx variations also abound to lesser degrees.
If any person has seen a big cat at close quarters recently and would like to report and discuss this in confidence, they can ring me, Frank Tunbridge, on 0711 476 715 or access my website www.bigcatsintheuk.ok.co.uk[http://www.bigcatsintheuk.ok.co.uk] for more information.
F. A. TUNBRIDG>E
Gloucester

Do you have any information on the above reports. 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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