Big Cat sightings on Cannock Chase

Jan 15 2009

HAWKS Green residents have been told to be on their guard after several eyewitnesses claimed to have spied the mysterious Chase big cat prowling near residential areas.

The warnings come at a time when sightings of the cat have rocketed and ramblers have encountered several stripped deer carcasses and strange paw prints over the Chase.

Earlier this month big cat experts said the existence of a big cat over the expansive forestland was a real possibility.

Chase lorry driver Antony Todd warned residents of Hawks Green to be on their guard after claiming to have spied the Chase panther prowling near homes in Heath Hayes during the early hours.

The dispatch driver who works for TNT, said he saw a big cat near by the former Maymies nightclub in Hawks Green, at around 5am on January 9.

The driver first believed he was seeing a deer, but changed his opinion when he saw the creature’s dark colouring and long tail.

He says he was shocked at how near the beast was to residential development.

“I was shocked at what I was seeing,” the 45 year-old told The Post.

“I have driven on that stretch of road hundreds of times and