Women see puma in country lane

9:20pm Wednesday 3rd January 2007

Motorists have reported seeing a big cat prowling the countryside.

Two women were driving home from work late at night through the village of Arlington, near Polegate, when in the beam of the headlights they saw a large, dark-coloured cat about to step into the road from the undergrowth.

They say the animal saw the vehicle approaching, retracted its paw and slinked back into the hedgerow, as the drama unfolded on December 20.

The frightened witnesses reported their experience to Kent Big Cat Research, which logs such sightings in Sussex and Kent.

Neil Arnold, of Kent Big Cat Research, said: "One of the women left a message with us and described the animal, which we believe may have been a puma as it had a lighter underside.

"The puma is native to Canada and parts of the US, and sightings in the past around Polegate and further into Sussex suggest three species of large cat are on the loose.

"As well as the puma there is the more commonly sighted black leopard, and the smaller lynx with its tufted ears and bobbed tail.

"Sightings across Sussex date back several centuries and we have monitored such reports and evidence for more than 15 years.

"There is a healthy population of differing species of cat in Sussex and plenty of food for them to live on, but they are extremely elusive and may not be spotted for months on end. Often people don't want to come forward because they think they will be laughed at, but thankfully that is changing these days. I would urge this witness, who gave her name as Miss Morris, to contact us again."

Experts have said the Sussex countryside is a perfect location for big cats, with a ready supply of deer, sheep and rabbits on which to feast.

Arlington Parish Council clerk John Roberts said: "I wouldn't say I am up to date with all of the village folklore but this is the first I have heard about any big-cat sightings in the area. It is not something we have come across before so I don't think villagers should be at all worried."

Reported sightings of big cats are not uncommon in Sussex. In summer 2005 a cat resembling a lynx was seen roaming around a Worthing community.

After several independent sightings, Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service staff set up a giant trap with dead rabbits and pigeons in a bid to tempt it from its lair.

But despite further sightings of the mysterious creature, the beast remained elusive. Other big-cat sightings have been reported in Polegate, Mid Sussex and Portslade - where people dubbed the animal the Portslade Panther.

l If you see a big cat contact The Argus newsdesk on 01273 544544.

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