The Surrey Puma

Since 1959, residents of Surrey have reported encounters with a large, tawny-colored cat resembling a puma. The creature, dubbed the Surrey Puma, has been seen hundreds of times across the county. Despite extensive searches, it has never been captured or definitively photographed.

The First Sighting

The Surrey Puma first made headlines in 1959 when witnesses near Shooters Hill reported seeing a large cat crossing a road. The creature was described as tawny or sandy-colored, about four feet in body length with a long tail. It moved with the fluid grace of a large feline.

The Sightings

Over the following decades, hundreds of sightings have been reported across Surrey. The creature has been seen in fields, woodlands, and suburban areas. Witnesses consistently describe a large cat unlike any domestic or native British species.

The Evidence

While no definitive evidence has been obtained, there have been tantalizing hints. Livestock have been killed in patterns consistent with large predator attacks. Paw prints have been found and cast. Several photographs purport to show the creature, though none are conclusive.

The Theories

Various theories attempt to explain the Surrey Puma. Some believe it descends from exotic pets released after the 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act. Others suggest multiple animals over time. Skeptics propose misidentification of large domestic cats or foxes.

The Hunts

Multiple organized searches have attempted to find or capture the Surrey Puma. Police have been involved on several occasions. All efforts have proved fruitless. The creature seems to vanish whenever serious efforts are made to locate it.

Assessment

The Surrey Puma occupies an unusual category of cryptid: an animal type known to exist elsewhere but supposedly not present in Britain. Unlike mythical creatures, its existence is plausible. The question is not whether pumas are real, but whether one prowls Surrey’s countryside.