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Moorland Mysteries

Huddersfield Examiner: 4th August 2008

Huddersfield Examiner
   
IS it a bird?
Is it a plane?
It's definitely not either of these - but is it a big cat?
A long running thread on www.examiner.co.uk[http://www.examiner.co.uk] relates to whether or not big cats are prowling around Huddersfield.
To start the discussion a few weeks ago, poster Albert said: "One of the biggest sheep owners has blamed a strange beast for killing his lambs. I can solve this mystery at a stroke, his lambs are being killed by motor vehicles.
Drive along the A62 between Marsden and the Standedge cutting and you will see several dead sheep and lambs by the roadside daily. If a sheep is hit by an HGV lorry then the result is somewhat bloody."
But contributor Waspish had his own ideas: "I saw something last summer between Meltham and Marsden. We were out on the bike and going a fair speed, but I swear I saw what looked like a big cat.
"It was black and very long. I told my friends in the pub and they all laughed at me.
But I know what I saw. It's not impossible for large cats to stay hidden and well fed out on the moors, and especially around farming communities. I'm a believer for sure now." Bugadifino came up with another option, which no-one had thought of.
He added: "Could be barking (or Mee-owing) up the wrong tree here. I'll tell you what I've seen a couple of times, round that area, a very large owl, possible an eagle owl, or shorteared owl. Both capable of attacking lambs, just a thought."
After a telling off by Albert, Bugadifino hit back: "I am perfectly serious Albert, I've seen the large owl up there about four times now.
It's as big as a buzzard, and seems to like it round about the Wessenden/Isle of Skye area."
The pair managed to sort out their differences and Albert posted: "Sounds like you have seen a short eared owl. They grow to over 15in but only feed on small rodents, small birds and insects. "Sorry if I came across too serious on this subject."

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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