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UK big cat sightings on the rise during lockdown

A big leopard, rumoured to be roaming our countrysides (CC Pinterest)

The legend of British big cats has returned with a vigour since the UK entered a third national lockdown.

People have been exploring the British countryside in the masses to escape and exercise, and subsequently since then, big cat sightings have been on the rise.

From North Wales to Kent, sightings have not been in short supply. In Strood last week there were reports of an animal resembling a black leopard roaming fields.

I spoke to big cat expert Frank Tunbridge and Zoologist Dr Izzy Winder to try and separate fact from fiction.

Interview with Frank Tunbridge and Dr Izzy Winder.

Big cat sightings have been prevalent in the UK since the 1970’s, with tales such as ‘The Beast of Bodmin” a phantom big cat that apparently slew many Cornish livestock, but was never caught.

With the introduction of the internet, the mystery and interest in them has only increased. Frank later said he “actually blames the internet for discrediting many solid theories and evidence” and that blurry photo’s and rumours do not help his cause.

“The authorities and the police are aware of big cats in this country, and breeding, but they don’t want the panic situation they’ve got enough on their hands.”

Frank Tunbridge (CC Gloucestershire Live)

Despite big cat enthusiasts claims of proof, nothing substantial such as a corpse or photograph has ever been recovered, and scientists often reject the claims altogether.

Zoologist Dr Izzy Winder said: “There’s not yet evidence that convinces me, but I can see the attraction of the idea.”

Until concrete proof comes to life your daily walk should be relatively relaxed, but who knows, maybe keep checking over your shoulder.

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