Puma on the Prowl in Scotland
23/07/09 08:44
It looks like there might be an alien big cat (ABC) on the
loose in Scotland: the Sundrum Slasher.
The BBC reports that a recent attack on a horse in Ayrshire is probably the work of a puma - not exactly a native of Scotland. The horse was attacked last week near Sundrum Holiday Park in Coylton and left badly injured with slash and claw marks. Experts say the injuries point to a big cat, possibly a puma. This fits in with reports of a large cat being seen in the grounds of Sundrum Castle back in May.
If the Sundrum Slasher does indeed turn out to be a puma it won't be the first one found wild in Scotland. Back in 1980 "Felicity" the puma was captured at Cannich by farmer Ted Noble.
Members of the public are warned not to approach the puma if they see it. Di Francis of the British Big Cats organisation advises:
The injured horse is reported to be making a good recovery.
The BBC reports that a recent attack on a horse in Ayrshire is probably the work of a puma - not exactly a native of Scotland. The horse was attacked last week near Sundrum Holiday Park in Coylton and left badly injured with slash and claw marks. Experts say the injuries point to a big cat, possibly a puma. This fits in with reports of a large cat being seen in the grounds of Sundrum Castle back in May.
If the Sundrum Slasher does indeed turn out to be a puma it won't be the first one found wild in Scotland. Back in 1980 "Felicity" the puma was captured at Cannich by farmer Ted Noble.
Members of the public are warned not to approach the puma if they see it. Di Francis of the British Big Cats organisation advises:
With any predator in the countryside you should never, ever turn and run because you then make yourself a prey. If you stand still the animal will totally ignore you. They really are not dangerous to humans.
The injured horse is reported to be making a good recovery.
