Firearms officers in Scotland will no-doubt be overcome by itchy-trigger-finger syndrome at the thought of being called out to sightings of a suspected black panther on the loose in the wilderness of bonnie Scotland.
As always with these types of incidents, there is a slight chance that the ‘animal’ spotted could be someone dressed up as a black panther, as halloween fast approaches!
Just in case the beast is real, Police have warned local residents in two villages not to approach the animal should they happen to see it as they go about their business.
Police Scotland confirmed that they had received reports of several sightings of the panther at around 0845 hours on Friday near the villages of Drongan and Coalhall, East Ayrshire.
A Police Helicopter was also called in to try and locate the big cat with sorties being flown throughout the morning.
An animal expert has also been mobilised in order to try and confirm the suspected identity of the animal as locals seem to be baffled as to how the majestic animal managed to end up wandering the wilderness in the first place.
No trace of the animal has yet been found by either the police or local residents.
Police Scotland said: “Residents in Drongan and Coalhall are being advised by officers to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages.
“Officers are currently working to locate the animal which may be injured.
“The area is popular with dog walkers so care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal we would ask you not to approach it.”
Police Scotland had been working with the Scottish SPCA but owing to the suspected size of the beast they have been stood down since they are not equipped to deal with large cats.
Let’s hope that if the animal is spotted, that it is captured before any firearms officers turn up otherwise there is a good chance that it might get a cap in its arse.
Police Scotland have asked that if anyone spots the panther (before ARV officers do) to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday 19 October 2018.
A black panther is the melanistic colour variant of any big cat species.
Black panthers in Asia and Africa are leopards and those in the Americas are black jaguars.
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“Let’s hope that if the animal is spotted, that it is captured before any firearms officers turn up otherwise there is a good chance that it might get a cap in its arse.” Thats funny, Hampshire’s hobnail booted finest frightened off one reported big cat stomping round the area, you want it found you need a stalker with tracking experience and a quiet approach!