Recent sightings...

A majority of recent sightings will be posted on the FACEBOOK page BIG CATS IN KENT, the original research page from over thirty years of research into sightings and evidence of 'big cats' in the wilds of the South-East.

The last month has been extremely active with sightings at Walderslade (often dubbed 'the beast of Blue Bell Hill'), Ashford and Canterbury. All of these were reports of a melanistic leopard. The Walderslade report concerned a female dog walker who described seeing a large, black and sleek animal whilst at Canterbury sheep remains were found but the Ashford report as the most impressive and took place on Monday 17th September 2018 at 10:05 pm. It concerned a man walking home down an alleyway when he was alerted to the sound of something walking in nearby undergrowth. thinking it was a fox he continued until he came face to face with a big, black cat; he added, "It was not spooked and, strangely nor was I. If I saw one in its own habitat obviously I would have died of fright, but it seemed calm and at ease. Unthreatening. We stared at each other a few seconds and it turned and left. Have looked online and 100per cent sure it was a Black Leopard; The colour, size, faint markings, eyes, tail... All spot on."

Black leopard seen at Hollingbourne

A woman has reported seeing a black leopard at Hollingbourne, Maidstone. The sighting took place at 1:30am on June 19th as she was walking her dog with a friend. They reported being snarled out and then picking out bright eyes of a large black animal.

Many other reports have come in, you can find these at the BIG CATS IN KENT Facebook page.

BIG CATS IN KENT LATEST SIGHTINGS

In the last month there have been sightings at Tenterden, Bethersden and Snodland - all concerning black leopards. for more info join the Facebook page BIG CATS IN KENT.

Latest Kent big cat sightings...

May 2017 has been one of the busiest months on record with sightings in one week from Sheppey, Chartham (2), Hythe, rural Maidstone, Shadoxhurst and Cliffe. All sightings took place at night and involved motorists - leopard scat has also been found at Blue Bell Hill and a badger kill elsewhere in an undisclosed location. For more info join the facebook page BIG CATS IN KENT.

April 3rd 2017 big cat sighting

"Driving home last night from work, Monday 3rd April, was just before midnight. 

I had just driven out of Charing, near Ashford on the a252 and taken the left turn/fork onto the faversham road. 

Just after taking the turn I saw a large black cat at the edge of the road. Was about the size of Labrador, with orange/yellow eyes and a long tail. It had a very dark shiny coat reflecting in my head lights and was just stood staring at the car as I drove past."

Updates...

Apologies for lack of updates; it has been an extremely busy time with sightings; investigations - for further information visit the Facebook page: BIG CATS IN KENT

Another big cat sighting...

"Yes my husband saw a Puma sized large black cat on 21st July 2016. It was 8pm and a lovely dry day. I was in the green house reaching to water a tomato plant otherwise I would have seen it too. He suddenly screamed '"cat!" very long and loud which I just took as come and look quickly but was unable to move quick enough. I had no idea. What he saw was a very large cat in the corner of our paddock which he must have spooked as it bounded along the fence line right across to the opposite corner and ran up the diagonal wooden brace on the corner post and over it into the wood beyond. On reflection it explains the tone of his shout being more like an urgent warning cry. I was really sorry to have missed it and hope to see it again. We have both owned several cats and a Weimaraner and a Labrador in the past, so we know the difference. Especially how differently they move. We have warned the neighbours but have yet to report it to the Ashdown Rangers."