A witness has reported spotting a large, black cat-like animal near the edge of Delamere Forest at approximately 3:45PM on Monday, 11th May 2026. The creature was seen retreating from open land back into the tree-line close to a private fishing lake in the Delamere area.
Andy told Puma Watch: “Driving out of a private fishing lake near Delamere Forest I spotted a large fully black cat-like animal walking back into the forest from open land. The size and tail were the most vivid image. I was driving slowly so did not manage to get any pictures.”
Delamere Forest is the largest area of woodland in Cheshire, covering approximately 2,400 acres, and has a long history of mysterious animal reports stretching back centuries. The forest’s dense woodland, proximity to open farmland, and network of lakes and streams make it well-suited terrain for a solitary predator with a wide hunting range.
The Cheshire area more broadly has seen a significant number of big cat reports in recent years, with sightings recorded near Frodsham, Chester, and along the Sandstone Trail — all within a relatively short distance of Delamere Forest.
Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, it became illegal to keep big cats such as pumas without a licence in the UK. It is widely believed that some owners released their animals into the wild rather than comply with the legislation, and that a population of big cats has since established itself across parts of the British countryside.
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Image: Photo © Jeff Buck (cc-by-sa/2.0)