Paw prints the mark of the Cannock Chase Panther?

By Matt Lloyd

The country may have been brought to a standstill by the recent
snowfall – but the Chase Panther remained on the prowl.

Readers have sent us photos of mysterious paw-prints made in unspoilt
snow on the Chase leading to claims the beast is still out there.

Ken Clegg, a frequent walker of the beauty-spot, took this picture
last Monday during the worst of the weather on the path leading from
Wandon.

Ken said: "I could not tell whether they were [from a] dog or cat. If
they are cat, they are big ones!

"As it was very snowy there was only me in the area. They (the prints)
were well away from the houses and there were no human footprints
nearby. Added to which, they were very fresh as there was snow in them
which would imply it was quite close to me.

"It makes you think as I had been there for several hours and as you
can guess, last Monday there were very few fool enough to be up there,
especially on their own.

"I used to think people had just seen stray dogs or a badger or
something, but recently I have changed my mind.

"I suspected there was something large on the Chase. I spend quite a
bit of time up there so I know how remote some of the parts are. I
also went on a tiger safari once and did some tracking so I know how
large animals can remain invisible if they really want to.

"These and the recent sightings in Heath Hayes have convinced me there
is something there and I would guess it's a large cat, possibly a panther?

"I would be interested if anyone can identify what they (the prints)
are. I couldn't see claws visible (which would make them a dog) or
whether the animal retracted its claws when walking (a cat).

"Whatever it was, it was big and alone."

As well as Ken's picture, we were also sent a photo of strange prints
in the snow in the Giddywell Lane area of Longdon (below).

**What do you think? Is the beast out there? Have you say on our
forums or email matt_lloyd@mrn. co.uk

Cannock Chase Post 12/2/09

www.chasepost.net/news-in-cannock/cannock-burntwood-news/cannock-news/2009/02/12/paw-prints-the-mark-of-the-cannock-chase-panther-93633-22914828/