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Cryptid

Beast of Bodmin Moor

A large black cat stalks the moors of Cornwall. Livestock mutilated. Paw prints found. Government investigation found no proof—then a leopard skull was discovered. Exotic pet releases? Escaped zoo animals? Something hunts on Bodmin Moor.

1978 - Present
Cornwall, England
500+ witnesses

The Beast of Bodmin is Britain’s most famous big cat.

The Sightings

Since 1978:

  • Large black cat
  • Panther-like
  • Moor sightings
  • Multiple witnesses
  • Continues today

The Description

What’s seen:

  • Black or dark
  • Large cat
  • Long tail
  • 3-5 feet body
  • Glowing eyes

The Evidence

Physical traces:

  • Livestock kills
  • Large paw prints
  • 1995: leopard skull found
  • Video footage
  • Photographs

Government Investigation

1995 study:

  • MAFF investigation
  • Found no “verifiable evidence”
  • But couldn’t rule out
  • Report inconclusive
  • Public unconvinced

The Skull

Discovered:

  • Boy found skull
  • Near river
  • Leopard identified
  • Young male
  • Origin unknown

Theories

Explanations:

  • Released exotic pets
  • Escaped zoo animals
  • Breeding population
  • Misidentification
  • Multiple sources likely

Sources