The Beast of Bodmin Moor
A large cat roams the moors of Cornwall, killing livestock and terrifying residents. Paw prints, photographs, and a skull have been found. The government investigated but found no 'verifiable evidence.'
The Beast of Bodmin Moor is a phantom cat allegedly living on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, England. Since the 1980s, sightings of a large black cat have accumulated alongside livestock killings.
The Sightings
According to documented reports:
Witnesses describe:
- A large black cat, 3-5 feet long
- Panther or puma-like
- Yellow or green glowing eyes
- Seen crossing roads or in fields
- Sometimes with cubs
- Occasionally tan or grey coloring
Evidence
Livestock Attacks: Sheep and other animals found with injuries consistent with large cat predation.
Paw Prints: Large feline prints discovered in mud and snow.
Photographs: Several images captured, though quality is debated.
Video Footage: Some clips show large cat-like animals.
The Skull: In 1995, a boy found a large cat skull. The Natural History Museum confirmed it was a leopard—but determined it was from an imported leopard-skin rug.
The Government Investigation
In 1995, the Ministry of Agriculture investigated:
- Examined over 60 sightings
- Analyzed alleged evidence
- Concluded: “no verifiable evidence” of a large cat
- But also couldn’t rule one out
The investigation was criticized as superficial.
Origins Theory
Several explanations exist for big cats in Britain:
Released Pets: The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act required licensing for exotic pets. Many owners allegedly released their animals rather than comply.
Escaped Zoo Animals: Cats may have escaped from zoos or private collections.
Breeding Population: If released in the 1970s, cats could have established a breeding population.
Native Species: Some suggest large cats never went extinct in Britain (this is unlikely).
Other British Big Cats
The Beast of Bodmin is part of a wider phenomenon:
- Beast of Exmoor
- Surrey Puma
- Fen Tiger
- Scottish big cat sightings
- Hundreds of reports annually across the UK
Evidence For
Supporters point to:
- Consistent descriptions over decades
- Professional witnesses (farmers, police)
- Physical evidence (tracks, kills)
- Survival feasibility (prey available, habitat suitable)
- Known exotic pet releases
Evidence Against
Skeptics note:
- No dead specimens found
- No verified photographs
- Breeding population would require multiple animals
- DNA evidence lacking
- Human tendency to misidentify
Cultural Impact
The Beast has become:
- A tourist attraction for Cornwall
- Subject of documentaries
- Featured in books and media
- A modern folklore figure
Current Status
Sightings continue regularly:
- Local newspapers report encounters
- Some witnesses provide photos and videos
- The mystery remains unsolved
- Most researchers believe big cats exist in Britain, just not in the numbers reported