Warning after Sheriff sees black animal the size of labrador at Dornoch site where children play
Published: 01/09/2010
Police yesterday issued a warning to the public after an animal resembling a black panther was sighted in a Highland caravan park where children play.
The public are advised not to approach the animal if they come across it and report any sightings to their nearest police station as soon as possible.
The Saturday sighting at Dornoch Caravan Park was the second time a member of the public had spotted such a creature in one week.
The sighting was made by Sheriff Donald Booker-Milburn, now retired, who was driving home to Clashmore after exercising his Irish setter Finn at Dornoch beach, and was on the narrow road that passes the caravan park.
He said: “Suddenly this lovely, sleek animal dashes across our bows from right to left and I thought ‘that’s not a pussy cat.’
“It was far too big, I would say about the size of a six-month-old labrador. The way it moved, too, convinced me it was some type of panther.
“The dog’s eyes were out on organ stalks, and I told him ‘that’s not for you.’
“I used to poo-poo these sightings, but not any more. I am convinced what I saw was a black panther. From its condition it was obviously living well.”
Sheriff Booker-Milburn added: “My wife said I should report it to the police because there are children around that area.”
The earlier sighting was at the Tain bombing range by range warden Ray Paton on August 26. At 6.30am, Mr Paton was completing his usual duties of driving around the range, checking it was safe and the targets were clear, when the creature appeared in front of him.
Mr Paton said: “It was a big black cat, about 4ft and, as soon as it saw me, it dashed off. I tried to follow it but decided to return to the building and phone the police.”
After the incident, Mr Paton spoke to one of the farmers who own land surrounding the range and he said they had discovered a dead sheep the week before that looked as if it had been savaged by something.
Mr Paton added: “He said it looked like the sheep’s face and throat had been eaten.
“I’ve worked at this base for 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Anyone who sees such an animal in this area is urged to contact police at Dornoch on 01862 862222, or any police station.
In July north police warned walkers to take care following the sighting of a big cat “the size of a German shepherd dog” at woods at Inshriach near Kincraig, Kingussie.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1896397?UserKey=#ixzz0ylKhrfwg
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