DNA analysis has confirmed that there is a big cat roaming the British countryside. - so we have taken a look at recent big cat sightings in Sheffield and its surrounding towns
The DNA of a big cat has been identified from a swab taken from the remains of a dead sheep in the Lake District. The DNA of the Panthera genus was found following analysis carried out at the University of Warwick.
This is the first time ever that a big cat DNA was found on animal remains in the UK.
Following the discovery, speculations started on whether the evidence proves the existence of an individual big cat in the Lake District or whether it suggests that there are several big cats roaming the British countryside.
We have taken a look into nine sightings in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, as well as nearby North Derbyshire and the Peak District. The details of each are in the gallery below.
5. White Edge
YouTuber Novice Wildcamper who travels around the UK and records videos of his camping trips heard a growling sound while visiting White Edge. The video which he published on his channel had over 600 comments with many people saying that the growl sounds exactly like a big cat such as black leopard or lynx. Photo: Google
6. Redhouse, Doncaster
In February 2022, a ‘four foot, sandy coloured beast’ was spotted near a McDonald’s drive thru at Redhouse, Doncaster with fears it could have travelled 50 miles to South Yorkshire. A woman living in North Yorkshire said the big cat may be her Savannah-breed feline which went missing from her home two years ago. Local diners at the McDonald’s branch spotted the cat and were struck with shock as the size of the cat as it roamed around, presumably looking for food. Photo: Google
7. Google
In November 2019, mum Jessica Clark spotted what she thought was a huge five foot black panther in the countryside close to what was then called Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium in an experience she described as “terrifying.” “As we got closer, I thought it was a dog or something. But when we were right at the side of it, I could clearly tell it was a big cat,” she said. “It looked about 5ft tall and I could see it over the grass. You could see its tail, its face, its muscular legs, everything.” Photo: Google
8. Doncaster Services
Alan Tomlinson claimed to have spotted a panther or puma near to junction one of the M180, close to Doncaster services. Mr Tomlinson, who says he has never seen anything like it, said he realised it was a big cat once he saw the tail. “I only saw the back of it, but I knew it was a puma or a panther when I saw the size of its tale which was curled right round. That's how I knew.” Photo: Google