Big Cat Sightings in Wales
A panther, a leopard, and a Canadian lynx are among the big cats reported to have been seen in Wales, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Welsh government.
Between January 2020 and July 2025, authorities in Wales received 15 reports of "big cats," the FOI revealed.
The reported sightings occurred in various locations including Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Powys, Swansea, Denbighshire, and Carmarthenshire.
Notable Sightings
One individual described witnessing what they believed to be a panther jumping over a hedge onto the road while they were driving.
On 16 January 2023, a leopard sighting was reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in Cwmtwrch, Swansea. The reporter observed a
"leopard with spots walking around the garden when their dog was let out".
The report noted that the dog did not react to the animal’s presence and that
"security lights kept coming on as it was walking around".
No physical evidence was provided, and the report states that no further action was taken after officials attempted to contact the reporter but were unable to reach them.
Another sighting of a "panther" was reported to Dyfed Powys Police (DPP) on 30 May 2023 between Capel Bangor and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. The reporter stated they were driving when they saw a
"large black cat" come over a hedge and land on the road in front of him. The animal then
"pounced across the road"before jumping over another hedge.
The animal was described as
"jet black, smooth/short coat, muscular, long tail, and the size of a Labrador dog". The reporter added that after viewing photos of similar animals online, they would describe it as a panther.
No further action was taken as no additional reports or sightings were made, and there were no reports of livestock attacks linked to the sighting.
On 13 May 2025, an apparent sighting of a Canadian lynx was reported to DPP in Port Henri, Carmarthenshire. No action was taken following this report.
Additionally, a "puma-sized cat" was reported in Fairy Falls, Trefnant, Denbighshire on 25 October 2023. However, after an investigation by North Wales Police, it was confirmed that the sighting was not of a real cat, and no further action was taken.
