BCC EP:127 Lurking at the margins – big cats of Mercia & Durham

Our first guest Hugh Williams recounts his close encounter with a
big cat on a Worcestershire hillside. He also runs the Mysteries
of Mercia website which explores quirks of history and folklore
in the midlands and Mercia. 


As well as discussing his panther incident, Hugh mentions other
big cat sightings he’s heard of and even a dogman description
he’s received. He also considers the treatment of big cats in
folklore, he touches on the black dog phenomenon, and he and Rick
consider the black panthers reported in eastern Canada where Hugh
is currently based.    


Our second guest Graham describes his recent incidents involving
a large cat in County Durham. He and his dog were growled at from
close quarters one winter evening, then months later, just a week
before this podcast recording, they came close to a black panther
at dusk.  Graham explains how he’s been coming to terms with
the reality of big cats in the first few days after the
experience. Both Hugh and Graham mention a feeling of ‘joining a
club’ after their cat encounters.  


Word of the week:   liminal


22 June 2025