FAQs

How Did Big Cats End Up In The UK?

Big cats, such as lions and leopards, were first brought to the UK by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. The Romans imported them for use in gladiatorial games and public spectacles, keeping them in arenas like the Colosseum in Rome and possibly in Londinium (ancient London). In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a surge in private ownership of big cats in the UK, as the laws regarding exotic pets were more relaxed. During this time, it was even possible to buy lion cubs at Harrods. However, this trend raised increasing concerns about safety and animal welfare. To address these issues, the Dangerous Wild Animals Act was enacted in 1976. This legislation required individuals who wished to keep big cats and other specified animals to apply for a license, maintain suitable enclosures, undergo regular inspections, and hold adequate liability insurance.

Despite these regulations, some owners chose to release their big cats into the British countryside, and over the years, others have admitted to doing the same. In the 19th century, traveling circuses brought attention to big cats by featuring exotic animals from around the world. There have been numerous reports of these animals escaping, many of which were never recaptured, further fueling public fascination with their presence in the wild. It is possible that big cats were released both before and after the 1976 legislation.

The various dates and sources of these escaped cats may have contributed to the genetic diversity of the emerging population as they began to breed. Big cats continue to be kept as pets and in private collections across Great Britain. These encounters contribute to ongoing explorations of the existence of big cats in the UK today. This interest presents opportunities for further research and conservation efforts that could enhance our understanding of the UK's big cats.

Where's the photo/video evidence?

There are a few key reasons why getting clear footage of big cats in the UK is so difficult:

1.There aren't many of them

Unlike in Africa or Asia, where big cats roam in significant numbers, the UK only have a tiny, scattered population. Fewer animals mean fewer chances of seeing them, let alone filming them.

2. They are nocturnal and stealthy

Most big cats are naturally elusive, hunting at dawn, dusk, or during the night. They have excellent camouflage and are skilled at avoiding humans, making it hard to spot them in daylight.

3. Dense and remote habitats

The UK has lots of forests, moors, and farmland, providing excellent cover. Unlike open savannas, where you can spot lions from miles away, a black panther or puma could hide just meters from you in thick undergrowth.

4. Lack of High-Quality Equipment in the Right Places

Most reported sightings are by chance and from people using mobile phones, which struggle in low light or at long distances. Trail cameras (motion-triggered cameras used for wildlife) are sometimes deployed but may not be widespread enough to capture a big cat at the right time.

5. Hoaxes and Misidentifications

Many reported “big cat” sightings turn out to be large domestic cats, dogs, or even deer seen in poor lighting. Some supposed footage is also faked or exaggerated, adding to skepticism and making real evidence harder to verify.

6. Authorities Don't Actively Search for Them

Since there’s no official recognition of big cats living wild in the UK, there are no large-scale, government-backed efforts to track them. Most investigations are done by independent researchers or enthusiasts with limited resources.

Will They Attack People

There are no verified cases of big cats attacking people in modern UK history. Big cats are likely to hear, smell, or see people long before we see them and slip away unnoticed.

Reasons Big Cats Might Attack A Human:

Surprise or Threat Perception – If someone unknowingly corners or startles a big cat, it may lash out defensively.
Injury or Desperation – A sick or starving cat might become bold enough to target an easier meal, including humans.
Mistaken Identity – In rare cases, a person crouching, running, or moving erratically might trigger a predator’s hunting instinct.
Protecting Cubs – a mother could become aggressive if she feels her young are at risk.

Reasons Big Cats Are Unlikely To Attack:

Humans Aren’t Natural Prey – Even wild big cats like pumas, leopards, and black panthers typically avoid humans.
Plenty of Wildlife to Hunt – The UK has an abundance of deer, rabbits, and other prey, meaning a big cat wouldn’t need to take the extreme risk of hunting people.
Secretive Behavior – Big cats rely on stealth and avoiding confrontation. A human presence is more likely to make them retreat than attack.

What Evidence Is There To Support The Existence Of Big Cats In The UK?

There is a significant amount of compelling evidence suggesting that big cats are living in the UK. In addition to hundreds of credible eyewitness accounts, tracks (or pug marks) larger than those of domestic cats have been found in various locations. Some of these tracks exhibit clear big cat features, such as retractable claw marks, which are unlike those of dogs. Farmers and landowners have frequently reported finding sheep carcasses with puncture wounds to the throat, a classic technique used by big cats to kill. There have also been reports of deer showing signs of predation, carcasses discovered in trees, and clean carcasses with minimal signs of scavenging, which suggests the presence of a large predator rather than smaller animals like foxes or badgers. Furthermore, there is DNA evidence that has been collected from hair samples and carcasses.

Why Do Landowners/Famers Keep Quiet?

Landowners and farmers in the UK might avoid admitting they have big cats on their land for several reasons. If a big cat were officially confirmed on their land, authorities might step in, impose restrictions, or even force the landowner to take action, such as setting traps or limiting farming activities. This could be disruptive and costly. A confirmed big cat sighting would also attract media attention, thrill-seekers, and amateur investigators hoping to catch a glimpse or take photos. This could lead to trespassing, property damage, and unwanted publicity. Some landowners might believe the big cat isn’t causing harm and prefer to let it roam undisturbed rather than risk it being hunted, captured or euthanzied by authorities. If a landowner acknowledges a dangerous animal on their property, they could also be held responsible for any livestock losses, injuries, or accidents linked to it.

Some farmers have reported living alongside a suspected big cat for years without major issues. If it’s only taking wild prey and not harming livestock, they might see no reason to interfere or make a fuss.

Because of these reasons, many landowners who have seen or suspected big cats on their land choose to stay quiet.

Why Dont We Find Dead Big Cats?

It’s extremely rare to find the body of an apex predator that has died from natural causes due to a combination of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors:

1. Secluded Deaths:

Apex predators like big cats are naturally solitary and secretive animals. When they sense they are nearing death, they often retreat to dense undergrowth, caves, or other remote locations to avoid vulnerability to scavengers or other threats. This makes their bodies very difficult to locate.

2. Scavenger Activity:

Nature wastes nothing. When an animal dies in the wild, scavengers such as foxes, badgers, birds of prey, and insects quickly break down the carcass. Within a matter of days, a large predator’s body can be completely stripped of flesh. Even bones are often scattered or chewed up by smaller animals, leaving very little behind.

3. Natural Decomposition:

In the right environment, especially in damp woodlands or areas with rich soil, a carcass can decompose rapidly—sometimes within weeks. Leaf litter, mud, or vegetation can further conceal remains, making them almost impossible to find.

4. Low Population Density:

Apex predators are often rare and territorial, with wide-ranging habitats. The fewer individuals there are, the less likely anyone is to stumble across one that has died.

5. Fear of Humans:

Even in areas where predators may coexist with people, these animals avoid human contact whenever possible. They are unlikely to die near footpaths, roads, or areas where their bodies would be more easily discovered.

6. Bones Blend into the Environment:

Large bones like skulls or leg bones can look like ordinary rocks or sticks in a forested environment, making them easy to miss.

What do Big Cats Eat In The UK?

Leopards and pumas are primarily active during dawn and dusk, although they may also hunt during the day. Their hunting technique involves stalking prey and getting as close as possible before pouncing. In the UK countryside, there is a plentiful supply of food available for big cats, including deer, sheep, rabbits, hares, wild boar, swans, dogs, and domestic cats. They have also been known to attack horses and cattle, and they will take advantage of any roadkill they encounter. Sporadic reports have emerged of sheep and deer found with injuries consistent with big cat attacks.

What To Do If You See A Big Cat?

If you do come into contact with a big cat, it's important to handle the situation carefully. Below are some tips:

STAY CALM- Avoid eye contact and DO NOT run away.
BACK AWAY SLOWLY- If you can't back away, stay still and wait.
IF ATTACKED- Hold your ground, make noise, and try to frighten the cat.
IF WITH OTHERS- Stay together, picking up any small children or pets.
FACE THE CAT- Do not turn your back to the cat, talk firmly and back away.
DOGS- Put your dog on a lead as soon as possible and keep it close to you.
REPORT SIGHTINGS- If you do manage to capture an encounter or even just witness one, report your sighting to us using our 'report a sighting form'