Rendlesham forest's 'strange creatures'

[Observer]

Never saw any big cats when i used to shoot in Rendlesham Forest at night. Saw plenty of Foxes, Badgers and the odd Deer.

Obs

[Deep Purple]

I did see what appeared to be a big cat near Winchester in the countryside back in the early 90s. I was driving along and saw this "thing" along the tree line on a quiet road from a distance of probably 200ft.
It was sandy coloured about the size of a very large Alsation and had a long thin cuved tail. I thought " thats a big fu*$in cat". I only saw it for seconds but at the time I was used to walking my doberman and pointer in the woods were would frequently see deer, so I was used to big dogs and deer. My doberman weighed 8st.
It could well have been a lynx or something similar. But what its was I dont know . In a way this just goes to reinforce the problems that Larry Warren & John Burroughs must have had when briefly confronted, as young men, by something out of the realms of thier experience and asked what it was. I would imagine they could no more tell you what they saw than what I saw that day as a possible big cat sighting

[AdrianF]

I came across a deer carcass a couple of years ago, near a lane at the far end of the forest. It had been quite well chewed and looked as though it had been dragged from a tree.

Lynx are really reclusive, I guess it's a remote possibility that there might be a couple in the area that have gone undetected. I think they prefer rabbits, so plenty to keep them well fed. I'd be really interested to find out if any serious study has been undertaken in the area?

Adrian

[Observer]

I'm sure there are some studies on the local wild life including alleged wild cats done by local people. The Forestry Commission may also have some info on it.

Is this thread relevant? I know its an interesting subject and these 'big' cat sightings have come up all over the UK, Bodmin moor and Dartmoor being quite famous.

On a completely different subject, have any of you seen the TV add about motor bike awareness. They quote official research figures. When confronted with a situation or event we only absorb into our memory about 20%, the rest we make up!!
These figures were part of our interview protocol when we interviewed witnesses such as at a RTA. Worth baring in mind when we listen to or read witness statements.

oBS

[Andy]

Only last night whilst at work, i was reading about another panther sighting, in the local newspaper (Suffolk). I don't doubt it for one moment, as i'm sure many were released into the wild when laws were passed making it more difficult to keep them as pets, and a credible friend saw one run in front of his car near Rendlesham. Also i remember a few years back seeing one featured in one of the national papers that was caught on CCTV. There was no doubt that it was a panther.

An interesting tale was relayed to me a few months back by a colleague. His father a few decades back was riding his motorbike through Rendlesham. Suddenly he noticed a very large, black german shepherd type dog running beside the bike and keeping up with it. Panicked by this he apparently opened up the throttle, yet still the dog managed to keep up then suddenly disappeared?? Of course fantasy, fabrication, drugs etc might have played a part, but nonetheless was an interesting tale for me; and the local Urban legend of Black Shuck. Owning three of the fastest breed of dog in the world ie greyhounds who can reach the speed of 30mph in three strides, and up to 45mph in six strides. No German Shepherd type dog would be able to do this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMEsCQmAe8c#

[AdrianF]

Observer

It's not really relevant, just something else to think about if your out poking around in the forest late at night!

As far as the statistics on memory go you just need to ask my wife, I'm sure she could back them up.

Adrian

[Andy]

Do you have an ISBN for memoirs of a monster hunter, Admin?

[Observer]

Adrian

We are on dodgy ground when the other 'arf' is brought in to the equasion.

My wife can remember exactly which shop and where in the shop she saw a dress she liked which could be a month ago, but no way can she remember what we had to eat 3 days ago. Having said that, i'm just as bad on different things.

This 20% memory thing is well documented in the medical and Police professions. It is also a known fact that when people attend lectures, they absorb on average 15% and that's the ones that pay attention.

I think we need to take into account these statistics when listening to other peoples statements. No body is trying to say that they are telling lies, just that there may be some big grey areas in their memory.

Obs

[Admin]

Do you have an ISBN for memoirs of a monster hunter, Admin?

Yes. It's a paperback: 1564149765