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Frank
Tunbridge's interest in mystery big cats dates back to the sixties,
when sightings of the 'Surrey Puma' first caught his imagination.
Since
then he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the subject, and
offers advice and consultations via his Big Cat Hotline.
Mystery
But
what are these mysterious giant felines?
"No
one knows what they are, people always thinks itÂ’s a black
panther or puma, but it could be a completely different species.
 I disturbed it and it was gone in a
flash.
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| Frank
Tunbridge |
"I
think they are a hybrid variety that has developed over the years
and is now breeding true to type.
"There are some characteristics quite different to a normal
leopard, for example these have been seen running very fast over
great distances, which is unusual.
"The
long tail also stands out - it is extremely long, almost like its
too long for the animal."
Droppings
Frank
recently found what he believes to be the droppings of a big cat.
Separating
out the droppings, he found "rabbit fur and bones. A few small
vertebrae, and a small canine tooth, possibly from a weasel or a
stoat."
He
was reluctant to reveal the location of the discovery.
"I'd
prefer to keep it secret because these animals aren't doing of a
harm to anyone - just living off wildlife - but they do create a
stir because they're large predators," he said.
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| The
'cat' droppings found by Frank Tunbridge |
Theory
Frank
has a theory about the origin of some of Gloucestershire's big cats.
"A
local landowner, about 15 years ago I was told, kept exotic cats
on a big estate just on the outskirts of Gloucester.
"They
weren't large cats, more like jungle cats.
"Someone
I know went up there and he saw these kept in an outside cage. He
said they were small and fawn coloured. "
"These,
I think, have established themselves in this area.
"I've
seen one stalking a pheasant, it was the size of a fox.
"I
disturbed it and it was gone in a flash."
Advice
Although
he considers these elusive animals unlikely to attack unless surprised,
Frank did have some safety advice.
"If
people go out into the country, especially to isolated areas or
where cats have been seen, keep a rein on small toddlers, just in
case."
 See
also: Gloucestershire's
big cats
Read
some of the features you may have missed in our
archive
section or
get in touch at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk.
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Mysterious
big cats have been in the media again recently, with sightings on
the increase. Now Gloucester man Frank Tunbridge has set up a hotline
where the public can report sightings.
