The Beast of Bodmin Moor
A large black cat roams the Cornish moors. Livestock is found mutilated. Government investigated. The beast remains at large, captured on film but never caught.
For decades, witnesses across Cornwall have reported a large, black feline predator stalking Bodmin Moor. Livestock mutilations, eyewitness accounts, and even government investigation have failed to definitively explain—or capture—the Beast of Bodmin.
The Sightings
Since the early 1980s, residents of Cornwall have reported encounters with a large black cat. According to documented accounts:
Typical descriptions include:
- 3-5 feet in length (body only)
- Black or very dark coat
- Powerful, muscular build
- Cat-like movements and behavior
- Yellow or green eyes
Sightings occur across Bodmin Moor and surrounding areas, with concentrations near farms and rural properties.
Livestock Attacks
Farmers have found livestock killed in ways suggesting a large predator:
- Sheep found with throats torn out
- Cattle with claw marks
- Kills partially eaten, with remains cached
- Patterns inconsistent with dog attacks
The predation style matches that of large felids rather than domestic dogs or foxes.
Evidence
Physical evidence has accumulated:
Video Footage: In 1991, amateur footage showed what appeared to be a large black cat on the moor. Analysis suggested an animal significantly larger than any known British native species.
Photographs: Multiple photographs have been taken, though most are inconclusive due to distance or quality.
Skull Discovery: In 1995, a large cat skull was found near the River Fowey. Initially thought to prove the beast’s existence, it was later determined to be from a leopard skin rug—complete with carpet beetle larvae.
Paw Prints: Large cat prints have been cast and photographed across the area.
Government Investigation
In 1995, the Ministry of Agriculture conducted an official investigation. Their conclusion:
- No verifiable evidence of a big cat was found
- The ministry couldn’t rule out the presence of one or more exotic cats
- They believed most sightings were misidentified domestic animals or native wildlife
The investigation satisfied no one—believers pointed to its limitations, while skeptics cited the lack of physical proof.
Possible Explanations
Several theories explain the Beast:
Escaped/Released Big Cats: The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act required licenses for exotic pets. Many owners may have released their animals rather than comply. A breeding population could have established itself.
Native Species: Some argue the Scottish wildcat or unusually large feral domestic cats could be responsible.
Misidentification: Large dogs, deer at odd angles, or ordinary cats at deceptive distances might account for some sightings.
Mass Hysteria: Once the legend began, people may have interpreted ambiguous sightings as the beast.
Ongoing Sightings
Sightings continue to this day:
- Local police receive regular reports
- Farmers still report livestock losses
- New photographs and videos emerge periodically
- Tourism has developed around the legend
Whether the Beast of Bodmin is one animal, several, or a mixture of misidentification and real encounters, something on the moor continues to frighten witnesses and kill livestock.