Dog walker ‘shocked’ by encounter with Welsh panther
A man walking his dog was “shocked” when he came across a Welsh “panther”.
The woman, identified only as Jan, was walking her dog through woodland in Nant-y-Gamar, near the Welsh town of Llandudno, in April when she was stopped by a large cat that jumped out in front of her.
He told Puma Watch North Wales: “I was walking the dog along a woodland path up Nant Y Gamar hill and looking through the large hole in the wall I saw what I thought was a panther running through the woods. [local landark].
“The panther/cat/cougar didn’t see me, but I was excited, if not a little surprised, to see it.”
Jan reported the sighting after the organization launched its Big Cat Awareness Campaign, which runs through July and encourages the public to document possible sightings of big cats in the wild.
As part of the campaign, the group has issued safety advice for walkers and dog walkers after several big cat sightings in Wales.
Reports of big cats such as panthers and pumas roaming loose in Wales have increased in recent months, with Puma Watch North Wales claiming the rate of sightings has increased by 74 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
The organisation’s safety rules say: “The big cat species known to inhabit North Wales are reclusive, solitary animals that avoid contact with humans. “Unless you deliberately approach or follow one, it is unlikely to show any aggression and will likely disappear to safety before it can get within close range.
“If you are planning to visit an area known to be inhabited by pumas or other big cats, such as Eryri, the Clwydian Ranges or even Wepre Park, following these tips will minimize your chances of a frightening encounter with a big cat.”
The guide advises hikers to stick to wide, designated trails, keep young children under close supervision and keep dogs on a short leash to “reduce the possibility of accidental ambushes.”
The safety guide adds: “Avoid walking or hiking alone, especially at dawn, dusk and night hours. Carry a (charged) mobile phone and ideally a flashlight. “Make loud noises as you walk so animals know you are approaching and can find safety. Consider carrying an air horn or whistle for emergencies.’
