For decades, stories of large cats wandering the British countryside were ignored as folklore or hyperactive imaginations. However, accumulating evidence suggests that these elusive predators are not merely passing through, but are actively naturalising in the UK. Reports, pictures, and ecological studies point to a rising population of wild big cats living in the British wilderness.
The idea of big cats in the UK isn’t new. The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act, which tightened regulations on exotic pet ownership, led to many private owners releasing animals like pumas and lynxes into the wild to avoid costly permits. This, coupled with natural escapes from poorly secured private collections, is believed to have created a foundation for a feral population.
In recent years, sightings of big cats have surged, with over 2,000 reports annually, according to the British Big Cats Society (BBCS). These sightings often describe animals resembling black panthers, pumas, or lynxes, seen prowling fields and forests from Scotland to Cornwall.
Several incidents involve physical remains or traces. In 2022, a deer carcass with deep, claw-like wounds was discovered in Shropshire. Zoologists from an independent research group analysed the injuries and suggested they were consistent with predation by a large feline.
Even more compelling are the plaster casts of paw prints collected by enthusiasts. Some of these prints are significantly larger than those of domestic cats or dogs and have been verified by experts as belonging to big cat species.
In 2021, scientists analysing fur samples found on a barbed wire fence in Dorset identified DNA consistent with a melanistic leopard. This finding supports the theory that these animals are reproducing and adapting to their new environment.
The UK countryside offers an abundance of prey, such as deer and rabbits, and vast, remote habitats where big cats could thrive undetected. Experts like Dr. Andrew Hemmings from the Royal Agricultural University argue that these factors make the UK a suitable environment for large predators to establish themselves.
The possibility of naturalised big cats has captivated the public imagination. While many are excited by the idea, others raise concerns about potential risks to livestock and humans. Conservationists also highlight the ethical implications, suggesting that, if these populations exist, they could play a role in rewilding efforts.
Although definitive proof remains elusive, the accumulating evidence—ranging from sightings to genetic analysis—points to a growing likelihood that big cats are indeed naturalising in the UK. As public interest grows, calls for comprehensive studies to confirm their presence and assess their impact on local ecosystems are becoming louder.
