2026-07-10 11:03:35
A dog walker was left “shocked” after an encounter with a Welsh “panther”.
The woman – named only as Jan – was walking her dog through woodland on Nant-y-Gamar, close to the town of Llandudno in Wales, back in April when she was stopped in her tracks by a big cat which dashed out in front of her.
She told Puma Watch North Wales: “I was walking the dog on a path by the woods on Nant Y Gamar hill, and I saw what I thought was a panther run through the woods as I was looking in through the big hole in the wall [local landark].
“The panther/cat/puma didn’t see me but I was very excited to see it, if not a little shocked.”
Jan reported her sighting after the organisation launched its Big Cat Awareness Campaign, which is running throughout July and encourages members of the public to come forward to document any potential sightings of big cats in the wild.
As part of the campaign, the group issued safety advice for hikers and dogwalkers in Wales following a spate of big cat sightings.
Reports of large cats such as panthers and pumas on the loose in Wales have surged in recent months with Puma Watch North Wales claiming sightings have increased by 74 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
The organisation’s safety guidelines state: “The species of big cat known to inhabit North Wales are reclusive, solitary animals which avoid human contact. “Provided you don’t deliberately approach or follow one, it’s very unlikely to show any aggression and will likely disappear into safety before you reach any close distance.
“If you’re planning to visit an area where pumas or other big cats are known to live, such as parts of Eryri, the Clwydian Range, or even Wepre Park, following these tips will minimise your chances of a frightening encounter with a big cat.”
The guide goes on to advise walkers to stick to wide, established paths to “reduce the chance of an inadvertent ambush” while keeping small children under close supervision and dogs on short leads.
The safety guide adds: “Avoid walking or hiking alone, especially during dawn, twilight, and nighttime. Carry a (charged) mobile phone and ideally a torch. “Make loud noises as you walk so animals know you’re approaching and can find safety. Consider carrying an air horn or whistle for emergencies.’
Visit Bang Bizarre (main website)
