Stockport cats ( Updated 10/02/12 )

16/1/12: Report recieved of animal resembling a 'Mountain Lion' sighted in Stockport area via media. Confirmed by Greater Manchester Police as reported as large feline allegedly seen in witnesses garden. On site investigation and witness interview carried out in Longnor Avenue area. Hair sample retrieved from scene of sighting of what witness described as a 'large, sleek, black cat resembling a mountain lion'. Hair sample subjected to light microscopy. Medulla, root and scale patterns confirm the hair is canine in origin.

20/1/12: Contacted via Greater Manchester Police re: further sighting of large feline in Bramhall Hall area. Witness claims to have been approached by large dark grey / brown feline with large ears. Interview forms emailed to witness, still awaiting reply at this time.

22/1/12: On site investigation carried out by nine UPIA trained investigators at three locations in vicinity of Bramhall Hall reported sightings. Casts of pawprints, hair samples and scratches to trees all recorded for analysis. Hair samples again concluded as canine. Scratchmarks possibly caused by badgers as badger tracks also observed in area, Pawprint inconclusive.

23/1/12: UPIA investigator deployed in area of Chester Road playing fields during daylight hours to observe surroundings after further reports of sighting of large feline in area. No findings to report. Further observations carried out in Grendale Avenue and Chester Road area after nightfall. Area appears to be very quiet, with a noticible absence of domestic animals. However, when calling at local MacDonalds, a larger than normal feral cat is observed, followed, and photographs taken. This cat was dark in colour, roughly spaniel sized and quite 'leggy'. Unfortunately, the photographs only show a darker blur, and no detail of the cat we observed.

29/1/12: UPIA investigator deployed on site for further observation. No findings to report.

30/1/12: Contacted by officials requesting information regarding UPIA investigation. Investigation log submitted.

31/1/12: Further investigations and research into further sightings. Nothing new to report.

5/2/12: Series of eight photographs of pawprints in snow submitted by email by resident in area of original sighting. Pawprints deteriorated but clearly canine in origin showing characteristic clawmarks and defined 'X' shape between 1st/4th digital and metacarpal pads. Possible fox prints and small cat prints also apparent.

8/2/12: Message from GMP regarding their own enquiries into recent sightings. Neighbouring forces report no sightings. Wild Animals Register enquiry also yields negative result. 

As well as the activities mentioned above, we have requested that Greater Manchester Police check the Wild Animals register and their logs for lost animals. I have also checked the Police logs for Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire police forces for similar sightings.

We will continue to liase with GMP and Local newspapers regarding alleged large felines in the Hazel Grove and Stockport areas, and request that where possible witnesses contact either myself or the police regarding any further sightings as soon as they possibly can after the animal has been seen.

Due to the high amount of witness reports in the area at this time, myself and UPIA will continue to monitor the area in the hope of establishing the identity of the animal conclusively, but my thoughts at the moment are that it is probably a large feral or possibly a medium domestic hybrid, though this is based solely on witness reports and not actual evidence.

Our next step in thi s investigation is to continue to log reports, and where possible attend sites as soon as possible after sightings to search for evidence and try to establish the best locations to deploy surveillance equipment.

Reports can be made by email to kirst_draven@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07562060016.

Witnesses do not need to give their personal details, but we do need the time, date and exact location of the sighting, a description of the animal seen, and the number of witnesses present. If a witness finds anything they believe to be evidence (hair, pawprints, scat etc.) we advise that they touch nothing and contact us as soon as possible.

All reports to UPIA are treated as confidential. Personal details of witnesses are kept confidential, and held on a secure database

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