BCC EP:110 Panthera Cumbria - DNA developments

In this Cumbria update we discuss new DNA evidence with Sharon
Larkin-Snowden following her input to episode 101. 


In October 2023 Sharon found a freshly consumed sheep carcass.
Without realising, she also disturbed a big black cat at the
scene. Later she swabbed the carcass for any saliva present, for
a lab test. She and Rick discuss the DNA result which came back
from the University of Warwick  


Sharon and her husband Ian describe their further investigations,
including their use of a drone and thermal camera, and the
family’s savannah cats provide some background sound
effects. 


Our second-half guest is Diane from near Wigan in Lancashire. She
has twice witnessed what she believes is a black leopard when dog
walking. Diane was interviewed on Sky TV’s Hold the Front Page at
the podcast’s big cat stand last September in Cumbria. She and
Rick discuss their experience of working with TV comedians to
help mainstream the topic of British big cats.  


 Words of the week:   forensic swabbing 
  


 14 May 2024