Britain - Cat Country

The Beast of Exmoor is a cryptozoological cat that is reported to roam the fields of Exmoor in Devon and Somerset in the United Kingdom.

There have been numerous reports of eyewitness sightings, however the official Exmoor National Park website lists the beast under "Traditions, Folklore, and Legends", and the BBC calls it "the famous-yet-elusive beast of Exmoor. Allegedly." Sightings were first reported in the 1970s, although it became notorious in 1983, when a South Molton farmer claimed to have lost over 100 sheep in the space of three months, all of them apparently killed by violent throat injuries.

Read more about The Beast of Exmoor

I bought this book some years ago and I've never managed to find another copy since. Searching on Amazon it appears that the book is often out of stock which includes those written by Ms Francis about other killer cats in Britain's countryside.

This book intrigues me. Its subject matter is frightening but fascinating at the same time. Although it appears that most victims of these mystery cats are animals e.g. sheep, lambs, the risk to human life is still very real.

The author even suggests that Genette Tate could have been a victim of a killer cat.

However, most of the footage or reports of these cats have been vague or inconclusive so it's hard to believe that these cats would ever pose a risk to human safety.

But, can we be sure of that?

This book details the search for The Beast of Exmoor in 1983 after farmers reported considerable losses of sheep and lambs. Although some sightings were made and the evidence of cat kills were identified, no cat was ever caught.

My review: 'As soon as I saw this title for sale I just had to buy it. The whole book is fascinating in its facts and pictures of 'possible sightings'. Anything unusual or weird like this intrigues me and Di Francis has made this book a valued member of my personal library. I have lost count of the number of times I have re-read it. The first time after I had completed it, I immediately wanted to purchase her second book on the same subject, but was unable to find it. When I do eventually obtain a copy I just know that it will be an excellent read!'

Other cats have been reported in:

* Beast of Exmoor, Devon and Somerset, 1970s - Present
* A Labrador-size cat, Nr, Watchet, Somerset, 20-21st June, 1991 - Approximately 34 inches long with bands of white, orange and silver around its body.
* Beast of Bodmin, Cornwall, 1992 - Present
* "Felicity" the Puma, Inverness-shire, 1980
* Surrey Puma, Surrey and Hampshire, 1959 - 1970
* Fen Tiger, Cambridgeshire, 1950s - 1990s
* Clouded Leopard, Kent, 1975
* Wrangaton Lion, Devon, 1998 - 1999
* Shooters Hill Cheetah
* Suffolk Lynx

Many websites are dedicated to this phenomenon, so this threat to livestock is still live today.

Hackney Marsh - This is said to be the home of the Hackney Marsh Big Cat which is thought to be a sabre-toothed tiger. Witnesses have described it as four feet tall with very long teeth.

Epping Forest - In the district of Ongar (which is on the edge of Epping Forest) dozens of witnesses have seen a leopard-sized cat. The latest sighting was earlier this year when two schoolboys, Joe Campling (12) and his cousin, Dean Campling (11) saw a giant black panther crouching in the lower branches of a tree. This cat has been seen several times but luckily prefers to stay away from humans.

29th July 2009 (Wednesday)

Area: Helensburgh, Argyll, Dunbartonshire.

Police dog handler, PC Chris Swallow spotted a 1.2m (4ft) long creature that he now believes was one of the Big Cats which reportedly roam the UK.

It was prowling near a railway line. The size of the track was much larger than a domestic cat and the way it balanced along the railway line discounted it as being a dog.

A large tan-coloured beast has also been seen locally.

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According to UKBigCats.co.uk 'until conclusive evidence about the different species is collected these animals can never be offered proper protection from harm, nor can steps be taken to warn the public about them.'

As most of the sightings of these cats have been from a distance it seems pretty clear that collecting sufficient evidence about these cats will be a very difficult process. They are often shy and wary of humans which is a good thing in one way as it limits the possibility of encounters. On the other hand, it could make the cats more skittish and likely to attack if cornered or threatened.

One very good reason why these cats are now at large in our countryside is that they've been released from private ownership, zoos and/or circuses.

In 1992, economic problems caused difficulties with the upkeep of these animals (feed, vet bills, adequate housing) so many owners found it hard to cope. In 1992, also, London Zoo announced, via the Zoological Society of London, that it faced closure due to increased running costs and the lack of visitors.

The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act probably contributed to the release of big cats as it stamped down more on private ownership by incorporating a licensing system and possible fines for failure to abide by the rules.

A member of staff of Devonair Radio Station and his father were startled by two black animals that darted out in front of the car. The car hit one of the animals which was thrown to the grass verge. Both men got out of the car to make sure the animal was okay but were greeted with a ferocious snarl. Both men reported seeing two black shapes, white fangs when they snarled and glowing eyes. The animal was gone when they went back to check the next day.

Leopards and/or Jaguars pose the greatest risks to humans, so bearing this in mind, could they have been the likely suspect in the disappearance of Genette Tate? Over 20 years have passed and the police are no closer to solving the case.

The circumstantial evidence, but the facts do fit a sudden and swift attack..:

1) Unsolved Mystery involving a missing person in the West Country.
2) Genette's bike was found lying on its side with its back wheel still spinning and a few newspapers lay scattered around.
3) She disappeared in a matter of minutes at 3pm.
4) It looked like she had been snatched from her bike as she cycled along.
5) There was no sign of struggle or violence.
6) Evidence didn't fit in with the story that she may have run away.
7) No skid marks were found from Car tyres.
8) No damage to the bike was found.
9) No body has been found.
10) No cries, screeching of tyres, no screams, no raised voices had been heard.
11) The police didn't dismiss the idea completely that a big cat could have snatched Genette.

What do you think?

Join in with my debate on Fear the Stranger by Hector Clark.