NEW RESEARCH has revealed that online searches for ‘Big Cats UK’ have surged by 100% in Wrexham.

The term ‘big cat’ is usually used to describe large wild felines such as tigers, lions, panthers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs and cougars.

The new research comes after multiple sightings of big cats have been reported in recent months and years across the United Kingdom.

Earlier this year, the DNA of a big cat was identified from a swab which was taken from a dead sheep in the Lake District proving that at least one could be running wild.

AussieBoots, who carried out the research, also revealed that the UK saw an 84% increase overall.

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Northern Ireland was the country that saw the highest rise in searches (133%). Scotland came second (127%), and England came third (84%). Wales still saw a high increase of 50%.

In Wrexham, there was a 100% increase in people searching for the 'Big Cats' term.

North Wales has had various alleged sightings of big cats in recent times, including in the Wrexham area.

In 2022, one member of the public claimed she saw a big cat at a caravan park in Chirk.

The Leader also covered a story in April 2023 of two 'big black cat' sightings in Wrexham around the same time. One was seen in Rossett, while the other was spotted near Wrexham Industrial Estate. 

Speaking on the latest findings, Pete Bryden from AussieBoots said: “The increase in big cat sightings across the UK has certainly captured the public’s imagination.

"It’s fascinating to see how interest has grown, particularly in Wales where searches have surged. Whether these sightings are fact or folklore, it’s clear that the British countryside still holds plenty of mysteries for us to discover."