FAQ'S
Where's the photo/video evidence?
Where's the photo/video evidence?
Where's the photo/video evidence?
When people encounter a wild big cat in the countryside, they are often caught off guard and do not think to take out their phones to document the sighting. By the time they realize what they are witnessing, the cat has likely vanished. This highlights the fleeting nature of such encounters and the challenge of capturing the moment. Black panthers, in particular, are among the most elusive animals on Earth, making them difficult to find and film. Big cats are clever creatures that do their best to avoid being seen.
Not all photos shared on social media or featured in newspaper reports show actual big cats; some have been misidentified as domestic cats, dogs, deer, or even cardboard cutouts. However, there have been credible videos and photos that depict big cats in the countryside. Additionally, some photo and video evidence is not made public due to concerns about people trespassing on private land and fears for the safety of the cats.
What do they eat?
Where's the photo/video evidence?
Where's the photo/video evidence?
Leopards and Pumas are primarily active during dawn and dusk, although they may also hunt during the day. Their hunting technique involves stalking their prey and getting as close as possible before pouncing. In the UK countryside, there is an abundance of food available for big cats, including deer, sheep, rabbits, hares, wild boar, swans, dogs, and cats. They have also been known to attack horses and cattle, and they will take advantage of any roadkill they come across.
Will They Attack People?
What To Do If You See A Big Cat?
What To Do If You See A Big Cat?
Leopards and pumas are inherently cautious creatures, known for their calculated behaviors. In most confrontational scenarios, these big cats prefer to avoid conflict and will often retreat rather than engage. However, there are specific circumstances where they may exhibit threatening behavior towards humans. For instance, an injured leopard or puma that is unable to hunt for food may feel cornered and desperate, leading to potential aggression. Similarly, a mother cat protecting her young cubs can become defensive and pose a threat if she perceives any danger. Notably, in the UK, there have been no recorded incidents of big cats attacking humans, reflecting the rarity of such confrontations.
What To Do If You See A Big Cat?
What To Do If You See A Big Cat?
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'