Big Cats...

For many years there have been many sightings of big cats in Australia. The sightings are becoming very common in the states of Victoria and New South Wales.

It is believed that American servicemen stationed in Australia during World War II may have brought them in as military mascots. When quarantine demanded the animals be destroyed the owners released them into the Australian bush in preference to putting the animals down. Other theory's include private zoos, collectors and travelling exotic animal sideshows releasing these big cats.

Farmers have reported stock losses of large animals such as horses and cattle as well as smaller sheep, goats and deer. These kills usually displayed characteristics of mauling impossible for any other native carnivore, cat or feral dog. Many believe there is a sustainable population of panthers and pumas roaming wild in the Australian bush.