Dwyfor big cat mystery Apr 28 2005
by Linda Roberts, North Wales Weekly Newspapers series
POLICE have issued a warning following sightings of a panther-type cat roaming Dwyfor.
The astonishing tale started earlier this year but sightings have increased in the last few weeks with stories spreading through the region.
The creature has been spotted in fields across Golan, Cwm Pennant, Ystradllyn and Penmorfa with witnesses describing the animal as big, black and very agile.
The latest sighting was on Sunday at Ynys Pandy holiday accommodation at Golan by a local farmer, who did not want to give his name, who saw the creature moving into undergrowth.
He said: "I could not believe my eyes and picked up binoculars to make sure it wasn't an illusion or that my eyes were playing tricks. What I saw was amazing!
"The animal was very big, bigger than a dog, black and had a very long tail. It walked across the land like a cat; low down and very stealthy, and moved into marsh land at the bottom of the field.
"It was a very impressive creature and I called my wife to take a look - she had no doubts either and we watched it for a few minutes.
"There have been lots of sightings so there's something out there."
When informed of the sighting, owner of Ynys Pandy, Tom Jenkins, went to investigate and found markings resembling a large paw print.
Due to the number of sightings and possible dangers, North Wales Police are asking the public to be careful when walking on farmland near Porthmadog.
A spokesman said: "North Wales Police get a number of 'big cat' calls and we keep an open mind.
"We would call on the public not to approach the animal if spotted, and definitely not to go out looking to kill it. If anyone can get a hair or stool sample that would be helpful."
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "There have been quite a few reports of panther-type cats being seen in the wild across the UK.
"They can live in the wild but what people see may not be what they believe it to be. We do ask people to be careful in areas where they are spotted, especially with livestock.
"If anyone sees the animal they should contact the RSPCA and the police immediately."
Contact the RSPCA on: (08705) 555999 and North Wales Police on: (01286) 671111.
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