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I am usually cautious when investigating British 'lioness' reports, as said previously concerning the so-called Birmingham Lion, these invariably turn out to be nothing more than large, faun coloured domestic dogs - sometimes
feral. However, I have personally investigated a few credible reports of animals that do seem to be genuine pumas
Puma concolor roaming wild in the British countryside; a good example can be found in Animals & Men Issue 52. Obviously being observed at 11 am on a Sunday morning does lend some credence to the validity of this sighting, as it would have been
made under adequate lighting conditions, and at relatively close range.
However, this animal was also observed during what might be popular dog walking hours! And as we literally know nothing about Mr. Laidlaw's observational prowess in these matters (for instance does he where spectacles
and approximately how far away was the animal from his point of observation?) at present, it's probably sensible to wait for further corresponding evidence before speculating further. This report, along with the lack of corresponding photographic or video evidence,
and/or biological samples, unfortunately makes it inconclusive at best. Its encouraging however, that Mr. Laidlaw first tried to convince himself he was simply seeing a large domestic cat or a fox, as this is obviously good testimony to his character.
I suggest Mr. Laidlaw take a slow walk around the new Charles Church building site (and surrounding Brookers Hill area) and check for any physical evidence to back up his report (this is preferred as evidence, as an
alternative to additional eyewitness reports which can only be considered anecdotal evidence at best) such as hairs snagged under a perimeter fence or machinery left over night, or pug-marks left in wet ground that belong to a big cat such as a puma (this
should be done regularly and ASAP due to recent dry weather conditions). Its always worth taking the time to have a look! If more evidence is found it would also be a good idea for someone to set up at least one motion sensitive night vision camera, placed
carefully somewhere at the sight.
If there really is a big cat living wild in this area of Berkshire it will likely be there for a while yet before moving on (in the Americas pumas have enormous ranges, in fact they have the largest of any terrestrial
mammal in the Western Hemisphere, so this animal will likely not be in the area indefinitely) and there may well be some more eyewitness reports, especially coming from people driving along the nearby M4 motorway at night or in the early morning.
This report might well be authentic but without any other corresponding data we cant make any further deductions at this time.
I would be happy to take a look at any plaster casts or biological samples if anything is forthcoming.
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