WILDLIFE camera footage showing a “massive” creature in a paddock could be evidence of big cats living in North Wales.
The video, captured on November 4, shows an animal in the foreground and then seconds later in the distance.
The footage, on land near Pentrefoelas in Conwy, starts when the creature triggered the cameras motion detector, so no more is available.
The video has been shared by Puma Watch North Wales, a group set up to investigate and document such encounters.
The person who submitted the video said: "This wildlife camera footage shows a large cat in our paddock area about 10.21pm on the 4th November 2021.
“The camera caught the cat's bottom on the left-hand side of the screen at the start of the footage and then again you see it about 13 seconds in as it walks along the paddock boundary at the top of the screen going left to right."
Puma Watch founder, Tony Jones said: “This is one of the best videos yet clearly showing a large black creature close up in the first few seconds. Then, at a greater distance, we can see a definite cat-shaped animal.
“Filmed about two miles south of Pentrefoelas, the location lies in the valley between the Denbigh Moors and Snowdonia where we already believe populations of big cats exist.
“It's exactly the type of rural location where we'd expect big cats to get caught on wildlife cameras like this occasionally as they pass through, and a great example to show why anyone who thinks a big cat may be active near their property should buy such a camera, at they're now cheaper than you'd expect.”
Big cat watchers have been having their say on social media.
One posted: “If you've ever been lucky enough to see one then you know they are out there.
“Nothing can change that. They are amazing creatures.”
Another said: “Does actually look massive.”
Others wanted more details about the items in the footage to gauge scale. Such as the size of the bucket.
The footage is the latest video, photo, or witness testimony describing animals similar to panthers, lynx or pumas living in North Wales.
There have been sightings in Abergele, Mold, Rhuallt, Talacre, Mostyn, Corwen, Ruabon, Chirk, Cefn Mawr , St Asaph, and Halkyn.
Puma Watch believes there is a case to be argued that a small population of big cats has been living in the region since the 1970s.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here