Wildcat back on the prowl

February 2, 2010  •  Andalucia, Malaga  •  1 Comments

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• Shocked: Pensioner spotted cat in Cartama, while (inset) last story on cougar in Oct 2008

AFTER a long hibernation the La Cala Cougar has been spotted once more.

Following fears the prestigious predator may have left Andalucia, the Olive Press has received confirmation that he is alive and well.

Last seen in Mijas Costa in 2008, the wildcat was discovered prowling in the Cartama countryside only last month.

Pensioner Joyce Mariekeen, 65, was greeted with the awe-inspiring sight on driving back to her home a week before Christmas.

“His green eyes were reflecting back at me and I was completely stunned by his long, athletic legs and tail shining in the light.”

“I had just turned the corner and I was confronted by a huge animal skulking along the country road,” explained Mariekeen.

“It was only when I turned my lights on full beam that I could make out exactly what I was looking at.”

“His green eyes were reflecting back at me and I was completely stunned by his long, athletic legs and tail shining in the light.”

The retired caterer was already convinced that the fabled cougar lived nearby after stumbling upon numerous paw prints and scratch marks on wooden posts.

“The paw prints were always too big for cats as well as a completely different shape to those made by dogs,” explained the grandmother-of-two.

“Coupled to that the stride length and the marks left on the posts and I was always certain.”

Mariekeen, from Surrey, also revealed that her “doubting Tom” neighbour, Iqubal Malik, finally believed her after seeing her stunned face.

“He would always explain away all the evidence, but on seeing my reaction that night, even he threw on a coat and grabbed a torch to help find it again!”

Despite further searches proving fruitless, Mariekeen has not given up hope that she will be greeted by the cougar’s marauding presence once again.

She added: “I always keep my eyes open every time I leave the house and I will make sure I take some photos next time!”

The Olive Press is still on the hunt for pictures of the wildcat having covered its appearances extensively over the past two years.

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