Moray vigil uncovers big cat evidence
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A GROUP who study pumas and panthers have been left in "no doubt" that there is at least one big cat prowling Moray’s countryside.
Members of the Big Cats in Britain group have spent time in Moray, and despite being hit by howling gales and torrential rain, left with more than enough evidence for them to plan a return visit to the area at the end of the year.
Bob Wallace, the organisation’s co-ordinator in central Scotland, admitted that the weather had caused problems for the vigil at Burgie Estate near Forres.
But while the six-strong group did not capture any big cats on film, he said that a number of other findings had excited members.
"It was a good vigil, despite the weather," he said. "It did hinder our efforts a little. We couldn’t spend as long in the woods as we would have liked, and all sensible creatures were probably tucked up somewhere nice and warm and dry.
"We found a number of paw prints, and one in particular was of great interest as it measured over four inches in length. With that size, and the absence of claw indents, we are into the realms of big cats here – puma- or leopard-sized.
"The interesting thing about this one was that we had just walked down that path and it wasn’t there, and when we were returning some 40 minutes or so later, there it was, large as life."
Mr Wallace said members had concluded that the Moray area was "a good place for sightings" and has "a lot more to offer".
"Our findings this weekend have left us all in no doubt that there is at least one big cat around – so much so that we have decided to come back to the area at some point in the near future," he added.
As well as setting up tents and cameras at the Burgie Estate, group members also met with witnesses who claim to have spotted big cats in other areas of Moray.
For the full story see this week's 'Northern Scot'.
