Big cat blamed for deer death (From Free Press Series)

Big cat blamed for deer death

A BIG cat expert is convinced a black panther dubbed the 'Beast of Trellech' has returned to stalk its old patch.

The large black cat which mauled 11-year-old Josh Hopkins in August 2000 is believed to be responsible for killing a deer in woodland near Trellech.

Big cat expert Danny Nineham has examined the deer and measured claw marks on the carcass. He said he is convinced it is the same animal which attacked Josh.

"I have measured the claw marks on the deer and it is exactly match to the one which attacked Josh," said Mr Nineham who is based in the Forest of Dean. "It has to be same animal."

Police say they have had no big cat sightings reported over the Christmas period.

Sergeant Granville Waters from Chepstow police station said: "We have not had any sightings over the Christmas period."

But Mr Nineham said sightings would increase during the winter because of the lack of foliage.

"Obviously in the summer they can hide in the foliage which makes them harder to spot," said Mr Nineham. "At this time of year they are much easier to spot."

It is not the first time a black panther has been seen in Trellech area since the attack on Josh.

In July 2002 the animal was seen prowling on banking by Trellech County Primary School's sports field and was later spotted by a teacher who followed it into a field.

Mr Nineham claims there are at least seven known black panthers frequenting the Gwent area, with reports of sightings ranging from Newport to the Chepstow area.