Two ramblers have reported seeing a “big cat” in woodland at Farnley Tyas, bringing back memories of other mystery creatures spotted in the area.
Brothers Andrew and Stephen Brook were walking a trail near Farnley Bank Farm, close to the Golden Cock pub, on Sunday when they saw the 5ft long animal.
Andrew, 59, who was with his nine-year-old son Marcus, described the animal as “leopard-like” and black in colour mottled with ginger or yellow marks.
It’s not the first time unusual creatures have been reported in the same area.
In 2013 there were reports of a “black fox” in Highburton and Kirkburton.
The Examiner previously reported claims that a family of black foxes were released in Thurstonland during the Second World War and it was thought the animals could be descendants.
Andrew said his brother saw the creature first and Andrew grabbed his binoculars. He had a two-second glimpse of the animal before it disappeared into the undergrowth in Royd House Wood.
Andrew, of Bradford, said: “We go walking in the countryside every other Sunday and we know what wildlife looks like.
“This didn’t look like a badger, a fox or a weasel. I think it was more like a black leopard. I’m just curious to know if anyone else has seen it.”
Experts believe there could be up to 100 “big cats” living in the wild in the UK.
In 2005 the Examiner reported on a large black cat dubbed the Monster of Meltham. A woman came face to face with the beast in her back garden.
Have you seen the Farnley Tyas “big cat”? If so contact the Examiner newsdesk on 01484 437712 or e-mail editorial@examiner.co.uk
