A half-eaten deer with evidence of being dragged and punctured has deepened concerns of a prowling big cat in Worcestershire’s Wyre Forest, as locals and experts debate the ominous discovery amid growing sightings and DNA evidence.
Residents of Bewdley, a tranquil town in Worcestershire, are gripped by unease following the discovery of a mutilated deer carcass in the nearby Wyre Forest. The gruesome find, described as a half-eaten corpse with its insides visibly removed, has sparked fears that a big cat could be stalking the area. Jessica Lodge, a local who stumbled upon the carcass, noted the unusual nature of the discovery, remarking, "I haven't seen anything like this before in this area," emphasising that no deer was present the day before the finding.
Lodge expressed her belief that the deer had not perished naturally, citing the specific circumstances of its location—partially hidden in bushes and surrounded by barbed wire fencing—as evidence that the animal was moved there to be consumed. Her conviction is echoed by other Bewdley residents, with one commenting online that the presence of puncture wounds on the neck aligns with behaviours characteristic of big cats. Others hint at a growing trend of sightings in the area, with one local even planning to install trail cameras to capture evidence of what many suspect could be a prowling predator.
The presence of big cats in the British countryside is not merely speculation. Over the years, various reports have suggested that a number of these creatures, potentially including melanistic leopards—commonly referred to as black panthers—may roam the wilds of the UK. Wildlife expert Bob Lawrence, citing a similar incident involving a deer carcass discovered in Earl's Croome, pointed out that such predation is uncommon for smaller predators like foxes, reinforcing concerns about larger predators in Worcestershire.
Rick Minter, an authority on British wildlife and author of "Big Cats: Facing Britain's Wild Predators," has further contributed to the discussion. He noted that the precise and fresh consumption patterns of carcasses indicate the involvement of big cats rather than foxes, underscoring the likelihood of their existence in the region. His claims align with previous reports of sightings, including a notable sighting of a puma-like creature in 2019 and another of a black panther in 2016.
Recent advancements in scientific investigation have provided additional evidence supporting the idea that big cats could be present in the UK. In 2022, DNA samples collected from a sheep carcass in Cumbria confirmed the presence of big cats in some regions, with earlier findings of leopard DNA in Gloucestershire lending credence to this theory. These developments have prompted the creation of an interactive map documenting numerous big cat sightings across Worcestershire, suggesting that these elusive predators may be more common than authorities have acknowledged.
Despite the weight of anecdotal evidence and emerging DNA findings, not all experts are convinced of the big cat narrative. Some studies, such as those conducted by scientists at the University of Warwick, have attributed certain deer carcasses to fox predation, asserting that no compelling evidence of big cats was found in those cases. Nevertheless, many local residents remain undeterred in their belief in a lurking menace, fueling speculation and caution in the peaceful town of Bewdley.
As the investigation unfolds and as reports of big cat sightings continue to emerge, the community remains on high alert, eager for any signs that might provide clarity amid the apprehension surrounding this perplexing phenomenon.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a recent incident in Bewdley, Worcestershire, involving a mutilated deer carcass, which has not been reported elsewhere. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 9, 2025. The report appears original and not recycled from other sources. The presence of updated data, such as DNA findings from 2022, suggests the report incorporates recent information, enhancing its freshness score. However, the lack of coverage by other reputable outlets may indicate limited dissemination. The narrative does not appear to be based on a press release, as no such source is cited. The absence of earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes further supports its originality. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Jessica Lodge, Bob Lawrence, and Rick Minter are unique to this report, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive. The absence of earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes further supports its originality.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Mirror, a UK-based tabloid newspaper. While it is a well-known publication, it is often considered less reliable due to sensationalist reporting. The lack of coverage by other reputable outlets may indicate limited dissemination. The absence of earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes further supports its originality.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report discusses a mutilated deer carcass in Bewdley, Worcestershire, with local residents expressing concerns about a potential big cat presence. While big cat sightings in the UK have been reported, they are rare and often unsubstantiated. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets raises questions about the credibility of the claim. The absence of earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes further supports its originality. The report lacks specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, or dates, which reduces its plausibility. The language and tone are consistent with regional reporting, and the structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is not unusually dramatic or vague, resembling typical journalistic language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a recent and original report of a mutilated deer carcass in Bewdley, Worcestershire, with local residents expressing concerns about a potential big cat presence. While the report includes unique quotes and incorporates recent data, it originates from a tabloid newspaper known for sensationalist reporting, which may affect its reliability. The lack of coverage by other reputable outlets and the absence of supporting details from other sources raise questions about the credibility of the claim. The report lacks specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, or dates, which reduces its plausibility. The language and tone are consistent with regional reporting, and the structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is not unusually dramatic or vague, resembling typical journalistic language. Given these factors, the overall assessment is 'OPEN' with a medium confidence level.
