2026-07-27 14:01:44
A tourist on holiday in Wales claimed to have spotted a large cat which “walked like a puma”.
The woman – named only as Angelina – saw a massive feline from the balcony of her rented cottage near Mynydd Llandygai in north Wales on the evening of July 12 and she described the beast as black and white in colour but added it was “possibly a panther”.
She told Puma Watch North Wales: “Looking into common land/woodland from [the] balcony of [my] holiday cottage and [a] large animal [was] standing stationary 150 yards away, we were looking down on it.
“[I] thought it was a collie dog waiting for [its] owner until it turned and walked away. [It was] very feline with a long cats tail, [it] walked like a puma”.
It comes after experts at Puma Watch North Wales 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 published a series safety guidelines as part of its Big Cat Awareness Campaign which is running throughout July.
The summer safety guide – which has been published online – states: “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 went 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.”
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