Bigfoot or big cat - frenzy continues

Feb 22 2006 Birmingham Post

Readers who have bombarded our office with reports of Bigfoot may have got their wires crossed - and, infact, spotted the famed Chase big cat.

A leading wildlife expert believes locals who are convinced they've seen a Sasquatch-type creature roaming the beauty spot may have had a close encounter with a black panther. The blazing red eyes are a giveaway, said Derek Crawley, chairman of Staffordshire Mammal Group.

Since running the original story about the mysterious creature, we've received a number of claimed sightings and even pictures.

By press time, the story on our website had received a stunning 1,500 'hits' - the majority from America.

This week editor Mike Lockley had a blunt message for our US readers: "Bigfoot may have started off in America, but we've got him now.

"Now we're out to prove George Washington lived on the Pye Green Road."

Academics and experts this week admitted there may be something in the forestland fringing Cannock.

Chris Mullins, co-ordinator of respected website Beastwatch UK, has called for further investigation. Chris contacted us earlier this week requesting more information on the camera-shy Cannock Sasquatch.

And Mr Crawley of Staffordshire Mammal Group, admitted there could be more to the sightings than pure fantasy. Mr Crawley said the sightings of the beast could turn out to be our other notorious forest dweller - The Chase Panther.

"From the reports it would seem too big to be an escaped ape," Mr Crawley said.

"A lot of people seem to be saying it has red, staring eyes. It may be a big cat in a tree. The person who saw it may have been confused and mistaken the branches for arms."

Meanwhile at The Post the eye-witness reports are continuing to roll in.

"Some weeks ago I was walking in the woods of Beaudesert Old Park, when a large hairy being crossed my path," M Willis, of George Street, Hednesford wrote to tell us.

"As it passed it turned and glared right at me. I never forgot those eyes, and some days later I opened the Chase Post and the truth hit me.

"The creature I had seen was none other than Big Dave from The Post. Was he on a undercover story or has he got a weird hobby?"

Cannock man Mr Hanysz even sent us a snap of what he believes could be the beast. Whether it's our furry friend or one of the chavs at chucking out time, the jury is again out.

The sightings add to a ever-growing list. last week Andrew Soltysik, from Cottage Close, Cannock, reported seeing a 'beast' while walking his dog near Hednesford Hills.

Bigfoot fever first struck in our area when respected 'X-Files' reporter Nick Redfern started investigating the existence of a strange creature after a spate of sightings over The Chase. All eye witnesses report seeing the same thing - a seven feet ape-like creature with 'blazing red' eyes. HAVE YOU GOT A BIGFOOT TALE OR A PICTURE? EMAIL ME AT steve_wollaston@mrn.co.uk..SUPL: