Back to 2008 English News
Stalking the Big Cat
A POLICE officer is attempting to prove - or disprove - once and for all the existence of wild big cats in Cambridgeshire.
Pc Paul Carter, a wildlife officer at Cambridgeshire Constabulary, is investigating reports of sightings of the mysterious animals within the region and says there have been five so far this year.
The most recent report came from a couple in Isleham, near Ely, at about 10pm on August 26.
They reported seeing a black feline creature of knee height with a long tail which had a bulbous tip.
Pc Carter said: "I have been fascinated by the possible existence of these creatures for many years.
"Since becoming a member of the Rural Community Action Team (RCAT) four years ago I have heard many stories from locals about big cats prowling our countryside. I recently decided to plot these sightings on a map and monitor the reported activity.
"It would be wonderful to be able to prove or disprove their existence in Cambridgeshire once and for all."
The centre of reported big cat activity in the county is the area west of the A1 corridor from Sawtry to the Northamptonshire border.
The majority of reports to the police of the "Fen Tiger" come from farmers who say they have had cattle and sheep attacked by a cat-like creature.
Descriptions of the animals vary from a large black panther-like cat to a smaller brown spotted lynx-type animal.
One theory is that before laws were introduced in 1973 to control the import of exotic animals such as the lynx and the puma they were bought into the UK and kept as curiosities in private collections.
Supporters of this theory say they may have escaped or been set free and could still be surviving in the wild.
Pc Carter said: "These animals are indigenous to North America and the mixed terrain of our county, along with the weather conditions, would provide the right environment for them if indeed they exist.
"I'm sure there must have been more sightings than those which have been reported to the police. It's not necessarily something people would call us to report and many are not sure of what they have seen.
"As most sightings occur after dark it is possible that people's minds can play tricks on them. However, I have spoken to many people over the years who are absolutely convinced about what they have seen."
If you think you have seen a big cat you can email your account to Pc Carter at paul.carter@cambs.pnn.police.uk
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_video/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=346566
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.
Have your say on the forum.
