Rare Scottish Wildcat Captured near Banff
Recently, a Scotsman who set a trap for what he thought was a fox attacking his chickens, found instead an extremely rare and seldom-sighted Scottish Wildcat in the trap when he checked it the next day.
The art teacher, Dave Harris, said, “When I went out the next day I saw the outline of an animal in the pen and just as I went to open the cage, I decided to get a torch. It is just as well, because when I shone the torch at the pen the wildcat started growling (see photo below, right).
“It was incredibly angry and it had a deep, deep growl. However, these animals are very rare and I feel lucky to have had the chance to see one up close. But it certainly came as a shock.” Harris took the cat to a rescue group and after a vet’s examination, released it to an undisclosed location in the Banff area.
Scottish wildcats are considered the only wild animal that is completely untameable, even when reared in captivity. They are incredibly tough “super-predators” (think the feline version of Braveheart), and are sometimes called “the Tiger of the Highlands”. It is Britain’s only remaining large wild predator and walked the Highlands for millions of years before mankind arrived or domestic cats evolved. Sadly, there are fewer than 400 left in existence, and it is expected that the species could be extinct within the next ten years.
They weigh up to 18 lbs., about the size of a large domestic cat, and are distinguished by a large ringed tail, reminiscent of a raccoon’s. This iconic cat is displayed prominently and proudly in Scottish heraldry.
Watch some Scottish Wildcats in motion in this trailer for the Scottish Wildcats’ Assoc. DVD which is being sold to raise money to save this cat from extinction:
For more info on the Scottish Wildcat, visit the website.
[LINK: The Press and Journal ]
[PHOTO CREDITS: 1) Peter Cairns, the Scottish Wildcat Association; 2) The Press and Journal ]
I found some moar pictures!
This cat looks so much like my late sister Susie. Absolutely gorgeous.
Wow! Gorgeous!!
It’s furry purrty. But a’course it was mad bout bein caughted in a trap! Duhr!
Hmmm maybe this is what I came from. It has my shape face, and my short wide tail. I must be scottish!
Winnie
What a beautiful cat. Mum says she’s never seen an ugly cat! We’re purring that they don’t become extinct up in Scotland.
Tripper, what are you doing in Scotland? MOL:)
They are beautiful.
Take another look at the back right paw in the top/first picture of it scaling a tree. Fearsome!
What beautiful cat’s! It’s extremly sad that there are only 400 left in the wild. Hopefully with the help of people that care and the cat’s own wild pride they won’t become another extinct animal.
That kitty is gorgeous!!!!!!!
It’s a very pretty kitty. I’m hoping it doesn’t become extinct either. My first thought before I read the rest of the article was that it looked like a cross between a domestic cat and a raccoon.
BEAUTIFUL………….
Such a beautiful cat, but just by looking at it you can tell that you don’t want to get on it’s bad side. I really do hope that they save them from extinction.
Those cats are amazingly beautiful.. I hope they will not go extinct.. We all need to help
these Scotiish wildcats are so cool.
I am of the Clan MacBean, therefore of the Clans Chattan. They are particularly of our heritage and must be protected.