Black leopard sighted near Blue Bell Hill

On 5th March 2010 a black leopard was observed by a couple driving towards Lordswood at 6:30 am. The animal crossed from right to left into undergrowth, towards the direction of Capstone Park. The male witness who was driving was 100% sure the animal was a black leopard as he'd seen a similar animal in 2000 in the same area.

'Beast' of Blue Bell Hill seen again...

During the early hours of February 24th a Medway woman reported the following:

'I was driving tonight around midnight up Pier Road in Gillingham heading towards Twydall when a big cat run across the road just before the round about. It ran up the hill into the marshes. It was definitely black in colour as it was under a street lamp, I cannot be sure exactly how big it was as I was a distance away but it was definitely bigger than a fox or your average cat. It had a long tail with a curve in it and the only other thing I noticed was how broad it was. This animal was very fast and I only see it for a few seconds before it ran off up the hill, I hope this information will be of interest to you.'

This is the third time in a month a big, black cat has been seen around Lower Rainham Road and toward the marshes of Gillingham.

Sussex big cats...

Over the years there have been many reports from all over Sussex of large, exotic cats. Many of the sightings have been featured here. However, a brand new website has been set up which will chronicle a majority of the sightings, dating back centuries to the modern era. These reports come from the vast files of Neil Arnold who, with twenty years of experience is now writing a book on the mystery animals of the county.

For more information log onto to: SUSSEX BIG CAT RESEARCH This website will be the most comprehensive Sussex database on the net...beware the imitations.

The Surrey Puma...

Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the legend of the Surrey puma will be highlighted on a new website. Surrey Big Cat Research will look into the original sightings which spawned the mystery, and more up to date accounts.

Stay tuned...

Big cat print ? No, just a rabbit...

It's amazing just how many photographs are submitted from witnesses who genuinely believe they have photographed 'big cat' paw-prints, but which turn out to be impressions made by rabbits. In case you're wondering what a rabbit print looks like, the accompanying photo proves, how easy it can be for sincere witnesses to simply get it wrong. Note the lack of a main central pad and also either side of the two central impressions, the two long impressions which are made as the rabbit squats on its rear limbs. The two central pads are made by the rabbit leaning on its forelimbs.

Paw-prints of 'big cat' found in snow near Gravesend.

In December 2009 several photographs were sent to Neil Arnold of what appeared to be 'big cat' prints. The prints were photographed by a Metropolitan policeman in an isolated area. They appear to have been made by a large cat, possibly a black leopard, and are unlike a symmetrical dog print as they are bereft of claw marks, and have all the hallmarks of a cat print. the story can be read HERE courtesy of the Gravesend Reporter.

Dubious paw-prints found at Sittingbourne.

There is some debate as to whether the January 6th 2009 story featured in the Sittingbourne Messenger (read it HERE ) actually shows authentic paw-prints of a 'big cat', i.e. puma or black leopard. Whilst it's understandable that the photo lacks any real definition, the witness was adamant that the prints he found had shown an animal to have travelled from the woods then over the roof of his vehicle (as it was parked over night on his driveway). Although the main pad is not visible, and the print has been disturbed by a rabbit track, there is no evidence to suggest a dog has been in the isolated area. Naturally, when snow thaws it can disfigure and so in the case of the Sittingbourne prints the jury is out.