Raccoon sighted on Wenlock Edge

Three years ago a mysterious black “panther-type” animal was seen on Wenlock Edge in Shropshire. Now, says the Bridgnorth Journal, a "raccoon-like" creature has been sighted there.

The truth, however, may be less exciting. The paper quotes John Hughes from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust as saying:

“I would imagine that what was seen would have been a polecat as they have similar facial markings to a raccoon. They were in decline after being hunted by gamekeepers but their numbers are starting to creep back up.

“They are making a comeback across the Midlands and I would expect that in time more sightings will be reported on a place like Wenlock Edge.”