| N E W S F E E D S >>> |
|
Caithness Field Club Bulletin |
|
THE TALE OF
THE PUMA There were several reports of the Moray beast during 1989. My own sightings occurred in July and December. In July, while my wife and I were travelling on the A96 between Fochabers and Keith, a large cat jumped out in front of the car. It disappeared into the undergrowth. The light conditions were good and the cat appeared to be the size of a puma. It was dark in colour - dark brown or even black. The second sighting was in the early hours of 26 November whilst returning a removal truck to Aberdeen. I pulled into the first lay-by on the right on the climb out of Fochabers and noticed a large cat on its hind legs clawing at plastic bags in one of the litter bins. Again, the cat appeared to be of the same proportions as a puma. It had a long tail, large paws and equally large claws. The cat continued to claw for a few seconds then turned towards the truck, giving me a good view of its head. The head had a definite feline shape with pointed cars, a very neat nose and very reflective eyes. The cat stared at me for a few seconds and then sloped off gracefully into the undergrowth. I am always sceptical when I read of sightings but having witnessed such a beast myself, I am more receptive to the idea that this big cat does exist. It would be interesting to hear if anyone else has witnessed such an animal. |