About Big Cats Sighted In The UK
Who Are We?
Big Cat Sightings UK is a non-profit organization comprised of investigators from across the country. Our primary goal is to study and research the presence of big cats in the UK.
We collect reports of cat sightings, investigate these reports if possible, collaborate with our researchers, raise awareness and help understand these animals.
How Your Reports Help
Reporting your big cat sightings can provide valuable data for researchers studying these elusive animals.
Sightings can indicate where big cats live, offer insights into their behavior, estimate population sizes, and understand their range in the UK.
Engaging with the public regarding sightings will also increase awareness and interest in the subject.
The 3 Big Cats Most Commonly Sighted In The UK
Melanistic Leopard
Melanistic Leopard
Melanistic Leopard
- Latin name: Panthera Pardus
- Also known as Panthers
- These cats make up 80% of UK big cat sightings
- Leopard spots are actually clusters of black, yellow, and tan markings called rosettes
- Female leopards weigh 46 to 132lbs and males can be up to 50% bigger, weighing 80 to 165lbs
- The average length of a leopard is between three and six feet.
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- Latin name: Panthera Pardus
- Also known as Panthers
- These cats make up 80% of UK big cat sightings
- Leopard spots are actually clusters of black, yellow, and tan markings called rosettes
- Female leopards weigh 46 to 132lbs and males can be up to 50% bigger, weighing 80 to 165lbs
- The average length of a leopard is between three and six feet.
- If two black leopards mate, they will always produce black cubs.
Puma
Melanistic Leopard
Melanistic Leopard
- Latin name: Puma Concolor
- Also known as Mountain Lion, Cougar and Catamount
- The hindlimbs are larger and stronger than the forelimbs, enabling them to be great leapers
- Body Length: Males– 6 to 8 feet from nose to tail tip Females 5 to 7 feet.
- Weight: Males– 110 to 180lbs. Females– 80 to 130 pounds
Lynx
Melanistic Leopard
Lynx
- Both lynx and bobcats belong to the same Lynx genus. Bobcats are the smallest cats in the species with stubby tails and distinct dark strips on the forelegs and tail. Lynx are larger and have a tuft of dark hair on the tips of their ears. Lynx have longer legs and bigger paws.
- Eurasian Lynx weigh between 18-30kg, Canada Lynx between 8-11kg, Iberian Lynx between 7-16kg and Bobcat between 4-15kg