Rachael Misstear, WalesOnline
Jan 28 2011
A WELSH authority is investigating what it described as the ‘best ever’ sighting of an elusive big cat, after it was reported by one of its own officers.
The large puma-like animal crossed a road just feet in front of a vehicle driven by a county council officer.
Michael Disney, who works for the authority’s Public Protection Division, encountered the animal on Wednesday afternoon in countryside near the village of Treffgarne six miles north of Haverfordwest.
In a statement which has been passed to police, he said he was travelling at around 10 to 15 mph down a single-track lane when a large, black “puma or panther” crossed just five metres in front of his car.
Michael, a former police officer, said: “I immediately stopped my vehicle and stared at this animal. It had a large cat-like head, muscular build and was approximately three feet tall.
“It was bigger and more muscular than a German Shepherd dog. The coat was smooth and looked like it had brown spots on it.
“I had a clear, unobstructed view of the animal and the visibility was excellent
“The animal was in my view for fully five to six seconds, the time it took to cover the width of the road and then disappear into the undergrowth at the side.”
“I am 100% certain that this was a puma or panther-like animal and was definitely not a dog, cat or any other domestic animal. It was not something I had seen before other than in a zoo.”
Michael’s initial concern was for the safety of the public so he drove to a nearby farm and spoke to the owner who revealed she had seen a large puma-like animal near her farm a few weeks earlier.
Chief Inspector Steve Matchett of Dyfed Powys Police said: “We are aware of a possible big cat sighting in the Treffgarne area of north Pembrokeshire, which occurred on Wednesday ( January 26).
“We’re working with all relevant agencies including Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Big Cat Sighting Unit has also been informed.
“While the public should not be alarmed by this latest possible sighting, we would urge anyone who does see what they think might be a big cat not to approach the animal, and to stay a safe distance away from it.”
Wednesday’s encounter is the latest in a line of big cat sightings in Pembrokeshire.
The last publicised incident was in November when the carcass of a sheep was reported to bear the hallmarks of a big cat kill.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Public Protection, Mark Elliott, said the latest sighting was the most definitive yet in the County.“We believe this is the closest anyone has been to a big cat in the wild and is further proof that there is a least one large animal roaming free in Pembrokeshire” he added.
If anyone has actual evidence of the presence of a big cat they should inform the Council’s Contact Centre on 01437 764551.
Experts believe that it is highly unlikely that such animals pose a threat to the public. However if anyone feels they are in immediate danger from a big cat then they should call 999 and ask for police assistance.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/01/28/puma-like-big-cat-reported-by-council-officer-91466-28072811
(Submitted by Jacqueline Wilson)
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