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Sighting launches big cat hunt in Evesham

May 11 2006

By Sarah Probert

 

A big cat hunt is under way after a lynx-like cat was spotted in Worcestershire.

A security guard at Unipart in Shinehill Lane, Evesham, said he spotted the animal at about 10pm on Tuesday.

Lynx

It is the third such sighting of the cat he has seen on the premises, and it is believed the animal may have been picked up on the company's CCTV.

It is described as being mousey brown in colour, with pointed ears and a tufted tail, and about 4ft long.

As the company's premises is near a residential area, West Mercia Police believes local residents should be aware of the sighting without becoming unduly anxious.

A spokesman said: "We have discussed the sightings with Bob Lawrence, chief warden of West Midlands Safari Park, and we're aware that there have been many, many sightings of large cats in the South Worcestershire area over a long period of time without any of them being properly authenticated and are aware too that no members of the public have been injured in any way.

"Indeed, if this were to prove to be a lynx, its first and natural reaction would be to run away from people. Clearly, members of the community should not attempt to approach the animal if it is spotted."

The big cat is not the first to be spotted in the region in recent times.

According to the British Big Cats Society, there had been more than 200 sightings across the West Midlands, with 87 spotted in the West Midlands conurbation between April 2004 and last July.

According to the latest figures, 71 wild cats were seen in Staffordshire, 48 in Hereford-shire and Worcestershire, 33 in Shropshire and two in Warwickshire.

Nationally the number of sightings compiled by the society was 2,123 compared with 2,052 the previous year and 780 three years ago.

* Have you ever seen a big cat on the prowl around Evesham - or anywhere in the Midlands? Tell us about it - click here to get in touch *

 

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