Do big cats really live in the Chilterns?
As with many parts of the United Kingdom The Chilterns has had continuous sighting reports of large cats going back at least 100 years. The sighting reports typically describe three types or species of suspected large cat. These are; Puma from the Americas, Leopard from Africa and Asia, and Lynx from Eurasia.
Big Cats of the Chilterns has been recording local sightings for twenty years including some very recent reports in 2020. The sightings data reveals clusters of activity in certain areas within the Chiltern Hills. However sightings are not the only evidence for big cats in Britain. Pug marks, scat, animal kills and tooth pit analysis from deer carcasses have all indicated these species are present.
Big Cats of the Chilterns has been recording local sightings for twenty years including some very recent reports in 2020. The sightings data reveals clusters of activity in certain areas within the Chiltern Hills. However sightings are not the only evidence for big cats in Britain. Pug marks, scat, animal kills and tooth pit analysis from deer carcasses have all indicated these species are present.
With regular tabloid stories bringing ridicule to the subject it is imposable to be correctly informed on this issue. The Chilterns alone brings in an average of 35 credible reports a year. When looking at sightings data across the country it is remarkable that descriptions always fall within the parameters of these three species. The proportion of these sightings consistently seems to align with a percentage rule. 60% large Black leopard types 30% sandy coloured puma and 10% Lynx.
These species are incredibly cunning and illusive in their native ranges and are extremely adaptable. Both Leopard and Pumas have been known to inhabit suburban areas and even the peripheries of large cities. These cats have an incredibly varied diet and can survive on rodents or even scavenge road killed animals.
These species are incredibly cunning and illusive in their native ranges and are extremely adaptable. Both Leopard and Pumas have been known to inhabit suburban areas and even the peripheries of large cities. These cats have an incredibly varied diet and can survive on rodents or even scavenge road killed animals.
Evidence
Analysis of large scats found in locations across the Chilterns has revealed remarkable findings. One scat contained crushed Badger skull, sheep teeth while another contained fox and Roe deer fur. All three of these animals are too robust to be preyed upon by any native predators. However they are typical prey of both Puma and Leopards.
Animal attacks including freshly killed carcasses of Foxes, Sheep, Goats, deer and even young ponies show consistency with big cat predation. In a few instances horses have been mauled with puncture marks matching those of puma attacks in the USA. Big cat sightings hotspots in the Chilterns also have a higher proportion of missing pets and farm animals. Big cats typically choose to carry their kills away to a safe place where they can be consumed undisturbed.
A scientific study of predated deer carcasses concluded that tooth impressions on the bone matched those of both leopard and Puma. This tooth pit analysis from the Royal Agricultural University proved we at least have some of these species living wild. Every year Thames Valley Police gets reports directly from the public having seen these animals.
Animal attacks including freshly killed carcasses of Foxes, Sheep, Goats, deer and even young ponies show consistency with big cat predation. In a few instances horses have been mauled with puncture marks matching those of puma attacks in the USA. Big cat sightings hotspots in the Chilterns also have a higher proportion of missing pets and farm animals. Big cats typically choose to carry their kills away to a safe place where they can be consumed undisturbed.
A scientific study of predated deer carcasses concluded that tooth impressions on the bone matched those of both leopard and Puma. This tooth pit analysis from the Royal Agricultural University proved we at least have some of these species living wild. Every year Thames Valley Police gets reports directly from the public having seen these animals.
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Sightings
Here at Big Cats of the Chilterns on occasion we have received multiple reports of the same species within the same location within a few days. The truth is not many people choose to admit they have seen a big cat to others.
There is always a level of ridicule involved with speaking out about such a sighting. However in Britain every year hundreds of people do. It is hypothesised for every one reported sighting there are ten that could go unreported. This means the possibility there is a living, breathing population of these species is very real.
Sighting reports from the Chilterns show remarkable consistency in regard to locations and behaviour of the species concerned. After 20 years of research we are absolutely confident Puma, Leopard and Lynx all have resident home ranges in the Chilterns and surrounding countryside including some urban areas.
There is always a level of ridicule involved with speaking out about such a sighting. However in Britain every year hundreds of people do. It is hypothesised for every one reported sighting there are ten that could go unreported. This means the possibility there is a living, breathing population of these species is very real.
Sighting reports from the Chilterns show remarkable consistency in regard to locations and behaviour of the species concerned. After 20 years of research we are absolutely confident Puma, Leopard and Lynx all have resident home ranges in the Chilterns and surrounding countryside including some urban areas.
Some sceptics have stated that sightings do not amount to either evidence or indicators of big cats in this country.
However due to the elusive nature of these animals over large areas sightings are counted as indicators presence in their own native ranges. For example in Mexico sightings of Jaguars were sometimes the only evidence data available to scientists that the cats were present in a study area.
The rest of this article will count down the top ten big cat sighting locations of the Chilterns to date. There will also be a map for each section showing some key sighting clusters. Have you seen a big cat in the Chilterns? Why not report it in confidence to us here. we never release specific information on witnesses or locations unless we have your permission. Every sighting is extremely valuable to our research.
However due to the elusive nature of these animals over large areas sightings are counted as indicators presence in their own native ranges. For example in Mexico sightings of Jaguars were sometimes the only evidence data available to scientists that the cats were present in a study area.
The rest of this article will count down the top ten big cat sighting locations of the Chilterns to date. There will also be a map for each section showing some key sighting clusters. Have you seen a big cat in the Chilterns? Why not report it in confidence to us here. we never release specific information on witnesses or locations unless we have your permission. Every sighting is extremely valuable to our research.
10. Great Missenden
Nestled within the Misbourne valley and surrounded by rolling hills Great Missenden had always provided very few big cat sightings. Being situated within the very centre of the Chiltern Hills this had always been a surprise. Historically it had been surrounded by nearby big cat reports and suspected big cat predation from Berkhamsted, Wendover, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe.
However all this changed when I received a three year long flurry of activity from 2016 until 2019. This included a significant cluster of sightings particularly around the south and eastern side of the town itself. A large dog sized black cat was seen crossing the A413 on three separate occasions. All of these road sightings were heading towards the town and within 500 metres of each other.
This communicated a possible ‘common route of travel’ for the cat. I spent many months monitoring the area with cameras and looking for field evidence. During this period a freshly killed fox was discovered in the Grounds of Missenden Abbey. The fox kill was consistent with large cat predation and stripped cleanly to the bone. All that was left was the spinal cord, tail, some ribs pelvis and head. The carcass was reasonably fresh with the head left completely untouched.
Responding to a nearby sighting I disturbed a large, black animal in a thicket. Due to dense vegetation I couldn't verify a species however it would seem unlikely for a lone dog to be in this location. Sightings generally seem to have continued to this day including agricultural areas of The Lee, South Heath, Hyde end, Prestwood and Little Kingshill.
I have received two sightings of an apparent black leopard from the grounds of Abby Park. Both have been during the twilight hours of the morning. Great Missenden only just recently knocked Nettlebed off the number 10 spot for sightings in the Chilterns.
Responding to a nearby sighting I disturbed a large, black animal in a thicket. Due to dense vegetation I couldn't verify a species however it would seem unlikely for a lone dog to be in this location. Sightings generally seem to have continued to this day including agricultural areas of The Lee, South Heath, Hyde end, Prestwood and Little Kingshill.
I have received two sightings of an apparent black leopard from the grounds of Abby Park. Both have been during the twilight hours of the morning. Great Missenden only just recently knocked Nettlebed off the number 10 spot for sightings in the Chilterns.
In this article maps display visual sightings of big cats by witnesses. However some red dots also show locations of other evidence such as scats and animal attacks. These have been deemed substantial enough to point towards a large cat.
Map data points do not necessarily give exact locations of a big cat’s presence. Witness accounts do vary in reliability which adds some ambiguity to the data. Also in the event of a sighting cats maybe responding to the witnesses presence and movements.
Map data points do not necessarily give exact locations of a big cat’s presence. Witness accounts do vary in reliability which adds some ambiguity to the data. Also in the event of a sighting cats maybe responding to the witnesses presence and movements.
9. Aylesbury
Aylesbury is not the first place that springs to mind when contemplating leopard habitat. However what is fascinating about Aylesbury is the consistency of reports. Large cat sightings are generally spread out to the countryside north and east of the town.
These sightings go back to the 1980’s and always seem to be of black leopard type animals. Over the years we have had reports of large black cats on the very peripheries of Aylesbury's urban sprawl.
On two occasions we have had reports of ‘black panthers’ roaming front gardens in the early hours of the morning. This has been reported to us twice in the south east of the Town. If these sightings are indeed leopards such urban inhabitation may not be as unlikely as first thought.
These sightings go back to the 1980’s and always seem to be of black leopard type animals. Over the years we have had reports of large black cats on the very peripheries of Aylesbury's urban sprawl.
On two occasions we have had reports of ‘black panthers’ roaming front gardens in the early hours of the morning. This has been reported to us twice in the south east of the Town. If these sightings are indeed leopards such urban inhabitation may not be as unlikely as first thought.
Leopards have been found to thrive in the suburbs of large towns where food is in good supply. Examples of this have been seen in Mumbai, India, Nairobi and Johannesburg in Africa.
However the most notable sightings of these cats have been in the countryside just to the north east of Aylesbury. This can be seen on the local sightings map provided. The most famous of which was in 2009 when multiple motorists saw a black leopard type creature.
The animal was walking along Aston Abbots road which connects Weedon to Aston Abbots. The animal then quickly disappeared along a hedgerow into open countryside. Due to the general spacing out of sightings in this area we have found it difficult to do much intensive field study.
However the most notable sightings of these cats have been in the countryside just to the north east of Aylesbury. This can be seen on the local sightings map provided. The most famous of which was in 2009 when multiple motorists saw a black leopard type creature.
The animal was walking along Aston Abbots road which connects Weedon to Aston Abbots. The animal then quickly disappeared along a hedgerow into open countryside. Due to the general spacing out of sightings in this area we have found it difficult to do much intensive field study.
8. Watlington
The town of Watlington sits within some of the most beautiful and unpopulated parts of the Chiltern Hills. Ironically it is not the town itself which supplies many sighting reports of big cats. Its location however acts more of an epicentre for a surrounding cluster of reports which go back to the 1970’s.
Looking out from the town towards the Chiltern escarpment it is easy to compare the landscape with the African savannah. Undulating landform with low lying scrubland and mixed woodland is perfect ambush habitat for large cats.
It is no surprise therefore that the countryside around Watlington continues to be an ongoing sightings hotbed. Both sandy coloured puma and black leopard type cats are commonly seen here. Most notably the hills of the Aston Rowant nature reserve to the Northeast of the town.
Looking out from the town towards the Chiltern escarpment it is easy to compare the landscape with the African savannah. Undulating landform with low lying scrubland and mixed woodland is perfect ambush habitat for large cats.
It is no surprise therefore that the countryside around Watlington continues to be an ongoing sightings hotbed. Both sandy coloured puma and black leopard type cats are commonly seen here. Most notably the hills of the Aston Rowant nature reserve to the Northeast of the town.
In one dramatic incidence a hiker noticed a sudden stampede of deer on the hillside. He noticed a struggle between what appeared to be a deer and a black animal. Even though he was a good distance from the animal he noticed an extremely low profiled animal with a long tail.
He watched the animal slowly drag the deer back into the wood line. Unfortunately this was reported to me many months after the incident. A search of the location for bones or other evidence did not produce any findings. The best sighting by far was a roadside crossing of two pumas seen at close range at night in 2019.
The sighting took place on the B4009 near Shirburn coming from the direction of the Aston Rowant reserve. The lady motorist slammed on her brakes as a large puma walked across the road. As she slowed to a halt another puma bounded across to meet the other. The cats disappeared into the darkness but only after the witness saw them at very close range. The description of the animals accurately fits with that of a puma or Mountain Lion.
He watched the animal slowly drag the deer back into the wood line. Unfortunately this was reported to me many months after the incident. A search of the location for bones or other evidence did not produce any findings. The best sighting by far was a roadside crossing of two pumas seen at close range at night in 2019.
The sighting took place on the B4009 near Shirburn coming from the direction of the Aston Rowant reserve. The lady motorist slammed on her brakes as a large puma walked across the road. As she slowed to a halt another puma bounded across to meet the other. The cats disappeared into the darkness but only after the witness saw them at very close range. The description of the animals accurately fits with that of a puma or Mountain Lion.
7. Ivinghoe
Ivinghoe is a small town situated next to the northern hills of the Chilterns. However it is one particular hill known as Ivinghoe Beacon that keeps grabbing my attention. Annually this steep hill attracts thousands of walkers, mountain bikers, and others. The great views and marvellous sunsets provide some of the best the Chilterns have to offer.
It is these sunset and sunrise seekers which visit the hill that every year provides us with some very interesting sightings. Since the late 90’s walkers on the hill during the twilight hours has spotted what appears to be a black leopard on the slopes. Leopards are most active during dawn and dusk making these sightings even more intriguing.
There are very few years that go by I do not receive at least one sighting from the Beacon. The most notable to date was in 2018. A group of mountain bikers were enjoying riding the slopes at sunset. A large black cat appeared to be paralleling them down the hill. One biker shone a torch light in the animal’s direction which illuminated two large reflective eyes. The witness was sure they had been stalked by a big cat.
Ivinghoe Beacon is actually a part of the National trusts Ashridge estate which is next on our list. The sheer intensity of sighting clusters from both these locations however warranted separation.
Ivinghoe Beacon is actually a part of the National trusts Ashridge estate which is next on our list. The sheer intensity of sighting clusters from both these locations however warranted separation.
6. Ashridge
The Ashridge estate encompasses a large portion of woodland and open countryside in the northern region of the Chilterns. Just south east of Ivinghoe Beacon the estate has become famous for its big cat sightings.
Regular sightings from this area are typically of the large black leopard type. Most sightings from the Ashridge Estate have come from woodland roads late at night. The most numerous of these have come from the B4506 which dissects the estate from north to south.
A particular feature of the cat sightings in this area are the particularly large size, bold character and muscular shoulders. This could be suggestive of a large male but we have no evidence to support this. A large black panther has been reported to us from the Ashridge Golf Course on a couple of occasions over the years.
Regular sightings from this area are typically of the large black leopard type. Most sightings from the Ashridge Estate have come from woodland roads late at night. The most numerous of these have come from the B4506 which dissects the estate from north to south.
A particular feature of the cat sightings in this area are the particularly large size, bold character and muscular shoulders. This could be suggestive of a large male but we have no evidence to support this. A large black panther has been reported to us from the Ashridge Golf Course on a couple of occasions over the years.
The most shocking report was of a very large black cat chasing a deer herd along a forest road in broad daylight. I believe the estates dense cover and large deer population has made this place the perfect hunting ground for a large feline predator.
The largest concentration of sighting reports are actually just south of the main estate. Northchurch Common has provided the most sightings from this area. A closer look at the common itself provides a large clue as to its suitability. The area has extensive areas of scrub and bracken which are perfect places for a large cat to hide.
The largest concentration of sighting reports are actually just south of the main estate. Northchurch Common has provided the most sightings from this area. A closer look at the common itself provides a large clue as to its suitability. The area has extensive areas of scrub and bracken which are perfect places for a large cat to hide.
5. Wendover
When it comes to big cat sightings in the Chilterns Wendover is an area which quite simply always has activity. Taking a walk through Wendover woods in quieter times could make you think you were in the backwoods of Alaska.
However especially on the weekend its almost impossible to imagine a place with so many people could really have local leopards. That is unless you have spent time in Sanjay Ghandi national park in Mumbai which I have. Every morning this city park in India opens its gates to thousands of recreational walkers even though it has 50 resident leopards.
However especially on the weekend its almost impossible to imagine a place with so many people could really have local leopards. That is unless you have spent time in Sanjay Ghandi national park in Mumbai which I have. Every morning this city park in India opens its gates to thousands of recreational walkers even though it has 50 resident leopards.
What has stood out to me over the years is Wendover has both historical and recent big cat sightings. Not only does the vicinity have continuous black leopard sightings it has also had spotted leopard reports.
One of the earliest examples of this was in 1983 when a large cat with a spotted or ‘mottled tan’ coat was repeatedly seen. Eventually police brought in trackers with sniffer dogs but the cat always evaded capture.
The cat was spotted once again at RAF Halton next to Wendover woods soon after. It was very interesting to me that almost 40 years later in 2019 there was a clear sighting of a black leopard right next to the Halton base. Leopards generally only live around 12 years in the wild so could recent sightings be descendants of the 1980's cats?
One of the earliest examples of this was in 1983 when a large cat with a spotted or ‘mottled tan’ coat was repeatedly seen. Eventually police brought in trackers with sniffer dogs but the cat always evaded capture.
The cat was spotted once again at RAF Halton next to Wendover woods soon after. It was very interesting to me that almost 40 years later in 2019 there was a clear sighting of a black leopard right next to the Halton base. Leopards generally only live around 12 years in the wild so could recent sightings be descendants of the 1980's cats?
In 2019 I had two reports of a spotted, leopard like creature crossing the A413 near to Wendover station. This shows a possible correlation to the idea there are also spotted leopards in these areas. I think black leopards are only seen more because they stand out more against our countryside. Nonetheless Wendover woods and the surrounding areas have continued to provide large black cat sightings to this day.
4. High Wycombe
If there is one location that keeps amazing me in regard to large cat sightings it is High Wycombe. Contrary to the rest of the country it is usually sandy coloured Pumas which are the star of the show here.
Not only do Pumas seem to be thriving in the surrounding wooded slopes they also seem to enjoy the night life of the town! Of all the urban environments in the Chilterns High Wycombe by far has some of the most amazing encounters.
In their native range Pumas have regularly turned up in places they were once thought to be extinct. Pumas have also adapted to a more urban lifestyle in states such as California. Just like leopards, pumas elusive nature and adaptability have made them able to live in our shadows.
Not only do Pumas seem to be thriving in the surrounding wooded slopes they also seem to enjoy the night life of the town! Of all the urban environments in the Chilterns High Wycombe by far has some of the most amazing encounters.
In their native range Pumas have regularly turned up in places they were once thought to be extinct. Pumas have also adapted to a more urban lifestyle in states such as California. Just like leopards, pumas elusive nature and adaptability have made them able to live in our shadows.
During my 20 years of chasing big cats around the Chilterns I have ended up back in central High Wycombe time and time again. Industrial estates, playgrounds, leisure centre car parks, residential gardens and air fields have all been visited by Wycombe’s urban pumas.
In 2001 sightings of a puma led experts to identify Puma tracks in a gold course bunker. After multiple sightings at the Wycombe Heights Golf Course there was now no doubt of at least one animal. In subsequent year’s attention turned to the Rye, a large park near the centre of the town. Local dog walkers reported seeing a mountain lion during the twilight hours.
In 2001 sightings of a puma led experts to identify Puma tracks in a gold course bunker. After multiple sightings at the Wycombe Heights Golf Course there was now no doubt of at least one animal. In subsequent year’s attention turned to the Rye, a large park near the centre of the town. Local dog walkers reported seeing a mountain lion during the twilight hours.
My own investigations reached a climax when a lady living next to the Rye contacted me. She was watching the TV when all of a sudden a full grown puma walked past her glass sliding doors. She instantly called the police who later found no sign of the animal. On interviewing the lady she assured me that she was originally from South America and ‘knows what a puma looks like!’
Around this time I had multiple sightings of the same species very close to where she lived. Pumas have also turned up at Wycombe marsh and been seen coming too and from the site of the old Ski slope. Wycombe Airfield also had a spate of sightings and animal kills including a partially eaten fox.
Puma sightings continue in the town and surrounding countryside to this day. Wycombe also has occasional sightings of Lynx and Black leopard type cats.
Around this time I had multiple sightings of the same species very close to where she lived. Pumas have also turned up at Wycombe marsh and been seen coming too and from the site of the old Ski slope. Wycombe Airfield also had a spate of sightings and animal kills including a partially eaten fox.
Puma sightings continue in the town and surrounding countryside to this day. Wycombe also has occasional sightings of Lynx and Black leopard type cats.
3. Princes Risborough
If the idea of one urban Puma living in the Chilterns wasn’t enough then perhaps the Princes Risborough Puma deserves a mention. The small town just 6 miles north of High Wycombe has seen continuous big cat activity through the decades. The most prevalent sightings are again of a sandy coloured cat matching a pumas description.
Given the close proximity to High Wycombe it is indeed likely the same animal could visit both locations. However sightings in these areas have now spanned over four average life spans for a wild Puma. This fact leans towards the idea the pumas here are indeed part of a breeding population.
Given the close proximity to High Wycombe it is indeed likely the same animal could visit both locations. However sightings in these areas have now spanned over four average life spans for a wild Puma. This fact leans towards the idea the pumas here are indeed part of a breeding population.
Over a series of years from 2012 until 2016 puma sightings kept being reported to me from Princes Risborough. Sometimes I would have up to 3 sightings the same week of the same animal within a radius as small as 1 km.
Numerous times an animal resembling a puma would be seen in the grounds of the Leisure centre and St Marys Church. I also had puma sightings from passengers as they passed through Risborough on the train.
The most alarming part of some of these sightings was a particular cat seemed to be roaming residential streets at night. This situation came to a head one night when a lady was confronted by a fully grow puma in her headlights.
After pulling out of her driveway and travelling metres from her home she quite simply could not believe what she was seeing! After calling the police a small search was conducted which turned up nothing?
Numerous times an animal resembling a puma would be seen in the grounds of the Leisure centre and St Marys Church. I also had puma sightings from passengers as they passed through Risborough on the train.
The most alarming part of some of these sightings was a particular cat seemed to be roaming residential streets at night. This situation came to a head one night when a lady was confronted by a fully grow puma in her headlights.
After pulling out of her driveway and travelling metres from her home she quite simply could not believe what she was seeing! After calling the police a small search was conducted which turned up nothing?
As fascinating as the Princes Risborough puma sightings are they really are no longer a surprise. The sightings start up again for a while and then die down for a few years. Regardless I am pretty sure the cats are always still around. It’s not if but when a Princes Risborough Puma raises its head again.
For more information of the Princes Risborough Puma please see my other article on the subject here.
For more information of the Princes Risborough Puma please see my other article on the subject here.
2. Chalfont St Giles
Our second from top big cat location comes under Chalfont St Giles but actually represents a larger area. The countryside west of St Giles up to Coleshill and down to Beaconsfield has become an epicentre for big cat activity. These reports go back to the early 80’s with the most recent dating back only a few months.
This report zone’s epicentre is the forestry commissions Hodgemoor woods.
This ancient woodland has a mixture of habitat types including low scrub, woodland glades and dense bracken. Such vegetation makes it perfect for animals to conceal themselves easily. Even though Hodgemoor is under a square mile in size many people have become lost within it.
With its twisted, contorted oaks and patchwork of dense thickets this woodland has an atmosphere unlike no other.
This report zone’s epicentre is the forestry commissions Hodgemoor woods.
This ancient woodland has a mixture of habitat types including low scrub, woodland glades and dense bracken. Such vegetation makes it perfect for animals to conceal themselves easily. Even though Hodgemoor is under a square mile in size many people have become lost within it.
With its twisted, contorted oaks and patchwork of dense thickets this woodland has an atmosphere unlike no other.
In 2012 two horses kept in a field next to Hodgemoor were attacked by a large animal. The horses suffered puncture marks to the neck and rump. The puncture wounds represented digits that had clambered up the horses flank and onto its back. I was contacted after a vet concluded the wounds were consistent with that of a big cat. The Hodgemoor horse attacks were accompanied by numerous sightings of a large feline creature.
I gathered a team of researchers who searched the woods for evidence day and night. A series of cameras were deployed but no animal was ever found. Subsequent years have brought in reports of classic leopard sawing vocalisations and sightings reports.
Surrounding farmland has also had its fair share of livestock attacks over the years. In 2015 hikers saw a fox being pursued out of the woods by a large black cat.
I gathered a team of researchers who searched the woods for evidence day and night. A series of cameras were deployed but no animal was ever found. Subsequent years have brought in reports of classic leopard sawing vocalisations and sightings reports.
Surrounding farmland has also had its fair share of livestock attacks over the years. In 2015 hikers saw a fox being pursued out of the woods by a large black cat.
What is very interesting about this sightings zone is as with Wendover there are historical reports of spotted cats. In 1995 there was a series of incidents and sightings involving such animals. A reported big cat had been seen prowling the edge of the Chiltern Open Air Museum. So sure the witness were of what they had seen a zoo escapee was expected.
Described initially as a tiger to police helicopters were scrambled and the museum was closed down. At the same time reports came in of a ‘mottled tan’ or cat with spotted markings nearby.
These sightings came from Coleshill, Seer Green and Chalfont St Peter. Reports in subsequent years continued around Penn Woods, Coleshill and Forty Green.
Described initially as a tiger to police helicopters were scrambled and the museum was closed down. At the same time reports came in of a ‘mottled tan’ or cat with spotted markings nearby.
These sightings came from Coleshill, Seer Green and Chalfont St Peter. Reports in subsequent years continued around Penn Woods, Coleshill and Forty Green.
The real action started in 2019 when a flurry of large black cat reports started being reported to me. There were several road crossing sightings of a black panther on Gore Hill near Coleshill. There were also such sightings next to hodgemoor woods and just outside Beaconsfield. This series of reports came to a head when I had a series of black leopard sightings around Wilton Park.
Extensive searches found both deer and badger skeletons in secluded thickets. Two camera traps were chewed and broken with memory cards becoming faulty. The sightings eventually ended but sightings still continue. This summer saw another road crossing on the A355 near Seer Green as well as sightings in Coleshill and Little Missenden
Extensive searches found both deer and badger skeletons in secluded thickets. Two camera traps were chewed and broken with memory cards becoming faulty. The sightings eventually ended but sightings still continue. This summer saw another road crossing on the A355 near Seer Green as well as sightings in Coleshill and Little Missenden
1. Stokenchurch
By far the top of the list when it comes to big cat sightings is Stokenchurch and its surrounding countryside. This is not solely judged by numerical measures of sightings but the quality of those reports. The reports in this part of the Chilterns have a consistency going back at least 40 years. With its densely wooded slopes and rolling hills it provides plenty of both food and shelter for a big cat.
Historically the area has a consistent sighting base of black animals familiar with what are thought to be leopards. There are not only well documented news reports but my own personal experiences of activity. The most common sightings around this area are road crossings in the early hours of the morning. These have all been reported from nearby Bledlow ridge, Radnage and Routs green.
Historically the area has a consistent sighting base of black animals familiar with what are thought to be leopards. There are not only well documented news reports but my own personal experiences of activity. The most common sightings around this area are road crossings in the early hours of the morning. These have all been reported from nearby Bledlow ridge, Radnage and Routs green.
Back in 1983 what is believed to be a leopard was sighted multiple times in the playground of the village school. Each time the police were called to the scene and would see the animal but never be able to catch up with it.
The cat turned up days later at Wendover but once again police failed to track it. What’s remarkable is over 30 years later I was called to a sighting in scrubland behind the same school. On accessing the thick scrub I experienced a loud grumbling sound from a thicket. I deployed a stealth cam and decided going into the thicket would probably be a bad idea. Later searches turned up no evidence.
This was not the last time I would experience cat like growls in the woodland around Stokenchurch. Years later I was responding to a sighting of a large black cat in Colliers wood. I was hiking a trail at dawn and could clearly hear deep, rumbling vocalisations in the distance. I could not locate exactly where they were coming from and my video camera barely picked them it up.
Later Investigations turned up a deer skeleton and a large scat which contained sheep molars.
The cat turned up days later at Wendover but once again police failed to track it. What’s remarkable is over 30 years later I was called to a sighting in scrubland behind the same school. On accessing the thick scrub I experienced a loud grumbling sound from a thicket. I deployed a stealth cam and decided going into the thicket would probably be a bad idea. Later searches turned up no evidence.
This was not the last time I would experience cat like growls in the woodland around Stokenchurch. Years later I was responding to a sighting of a large black cat in Colliers wood. I was hiking a trail at dawn and could clearly hear deep, rumbling vocalisations in the distance. I could not locate exactly where they were coming from and my video camera barely picked them it up.
Later Investigations turned up a deer skeleton and a large scat which contained sheep molars.
In 2018 Rick Minter and I hosted a stand at Bucks County Show which brought forward many eyewitnesses from this area. The most memorable was from a builder who was renovating a rural building in Bledlow ridge in the 1990’s.
A black panther had been seen by workers on more than one occasion. When he saw it walking along the edge of the field he could see it was two thirds the height of the stock fencing. This would have made the cat at least two feet tall at the shoulder. He recalled a very long tail, ‘much longer than a domestic that had a loop at the end’.
However one of the most common scenarios for witnessing a black leopard at Stokenchurch is along the M40 motorway. I have had very notable reports of large cats taking dead pheasants off the tarmac at night. I have often wondered why so many sightings happen along this motorway at night. Perhaps the continuous allure of an easy meal has something to do with it?
Anyone familiar with the Stokenchurch gap would concede it has plentiful supplies of road kill, a commanding view and dense vegetation. Everything a big cat loves. However do not just take my word for it! The Bucks free press has also reported on the Black Panther which roams this section of road at night.
A black panther had been seen by workers on more than one occasion. When he saw it walking along the edge of the field he could see it was two thirds the height of the stock fencing. This would have made the cat at least two feet tall at the shoulder. He recalled a very long tail, ‘much longer than a domestic that had a loop at the end’.
However one of the most common scenarios for witnessing a black leopard at Stokenchurch is along the M40 motorway. I have had very notable reports of large cats taking dead pheasants off the tarmac at night. I have often wondered why so many sightings happen along this motorway at night. Perhaps the continuous allure of an easy meal has something to do with it?
Anyone familiar with the Stokenchurch gap would concede it has plentiful supplies of road kill, a commanding view and dense vegetation. Everything a big cat loves. However do not just take my word for it! The Bucks free press has also reported on the Black Panther which roams this section of road at night.
In 2012 a gentlemen driving along the Stokenchurch stretch of the M40 sighted the cat at 1am on the hard shoulder. He did not come forward however until he saw the same animal a year later on the same stretch of road.
This well documented incident brought much attention to the Big cats of the Chilterns website. This in turn meant receiving many more reports of large cats in this area.
The Stokenchurch reports show there is continuous activity which warrants closer investigation. Leopards can be notoriously bold but secretive at the same time.
This species can inhabit the peripheries of large urban cities. The countryside around Stokenchurch has the perfect habitat for such a species to enjoy a bountiful territory.
This well documented incident brought much attention to the Big cats of the Chilterns website. This in turn meant receiving many more reports of large cats in this area.
The Stokenchurch reports show there is continuous activity which warrants closer investigation. Leopards can be notoriously bold but secretive at the same time.
This species can inhabit the peripheries of large urban cities. The countryside around Stokenchurch has the perfect habitat for such a species to enjoy a bountiful territory.
Interpreting the data
The Local map data showing clusters display for the most part visual sightings. Some dots also show locations of other evidence such as scats and animal attacks. These have been deemed substantial enough to point towards a large cat.
Map data points do not necessarily give exact locations of a big cat’s presence. Witness accounts do vary in reliability which adds some ambiguity to the data. Also in the event of a sighting a cat maybe responding to the witnesses presence and movements.
Some reports have come to my attention through second hand witnesses. This has meant some detective work has been needed to work out exact locations.
Map data points do not necessarily give exact locations of a big cat’s presence. Witness accounts do vary in reliability which adds some ambiguity to the data. Also in the event of a sighting a cat maybe responding to the witnesses presence and movements.
Some reports have come to my attention through second hand witnesses. This has meant some detective work has been needed to work out exact locations.
Conclusion
The large cat phenomena both in the Chilterns and the United Kingdom have persisted for many decades. Although sightings are not considered hard evidence they do hold a series of consistencies among them.
These are the; proportionality of assumed species, localities and behavioural aspects. Sightings data is sometimes all researchers have to work with and not just in the UK. The species sighted in the Chilterns are notoriously elusive. Even in areas of the world where these species are supposed to be extinct sightings continue. Not only that apparent extinct cats cat remerge decades later. This shows their ability to live at low densities and go completely unoticed.
The only way we will collect more concrete evidence of their existence is by substantial investment. Until then the phenomena will remain in part a mystery.
If you wish to report a sighting or donate to our research please contact us via our report form.
These are the; proportionality of assumed species, localities and behavioural aspects. Sightings data is sometimes all researchers have to work with and not just in the UK. The species sighted in the Chilterns are notoriously elusive. Even in areas of the world where these species are supposed to be extinct sightings continue. Not only that apparent extinct cats cat remerge decades later. This shows their ability to live at low densities and go completely unoticed.
The only way we will collect more concrete evidence of their existence is by substantial investment. Until then the phenomena will remain in part a mystery.
If you wish to report a sighting or donate to our research please contact us via our report form.
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Over the next couple of years we hope to be releasing an hour long documentary on each of these 10 locations. Episodes will include tracking, camera traps and night investigations. Subscribe via the button below to get the latest information and updates.
I very much hope you have enjoyed reading this article which has aimed to consolidate historical and current Chiltern reports. I have tried to consolidate 40 years of news reports and 20 years of my own research data. It would really help the subject in general if it were allocated more intensive resources. Hence if you enjoyed reading please share it with others to raise awareness. Thanks Paulo.
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