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 On the Prowl By Sue Wilson

Big Cats in Britain

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On the Prowl By Sue Wilson

The Greenock Telegraph: 18th May 2007

The Greenock Telegraph
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THESE are the sensational images of a big cat claimed to be roaming wild on a Gourock hillside.
They were captured on a mobile phone at Faulds Park.
Seconds earlier, office girls had entered the Amazon warehouse, unaware of the beast lurking behind them.
And youngsters on a nearby housing estate were setting out for school as the huge black creature roamed about.
The cat emerged from bushes and strolled across a car park as Amazon workers turned up at 8.30am.
One said: “There were people going in and out of the building, but it was not fazed by anyone.”
Now Gourock councillor George White has called for action.
He said: “It is a matter of great concern if there is a big cat roaming wild in Gourock.
“I will be asking officials to investigate. It is their responsibility to protect the public.”
Big cat expert Sandy Smith of Kilmacolm said he was delighted the cat had been caught on film.
He said: “A lot of people think talk about big cats is a bit of kidology.
“Maybe this picture will make them take notice.
“I know what I saw and I am 100 per cent certain they are roaming the area.”
Sandy, who set up Scottish Big Cat Investigations after sighting a big cat near Kilmacolm cemetery three years ago, said he would be looking to authenticate the phone footage.
In March, two window cleaners were startled when a black beast ran across the road at Auchenbothie Gardens, Kilmacolm.
And in January, a Greenock couple found a big cat prowling around their front garden in Fairrie Street.
In February last year a man in Inverkip came across a dead deer he claimed had been ripped apart by a big cat.
However, a spokesman for Amazon UK poured cold water on the cat tale.
He said: “There are a couple of cats roaming around, but they’re feral cats. Workers at the factory feed them.
“As far as Amazon is concerned, there are a couple of Tiddles there, but not the ‘Growler of Gourock’.”

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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