Beast of Dartmoor
Also known as: Dartmoor Cat, Devon Cat, Phantom Cat of Dartmoor
Something large, dark, and feline stalks the misty moorlands of Devon, leaving torn livestock and fleeting glimpses behind.
1970s, intensifying 1980s-present
Dartmoor, Devon, England
Large dog to panther-sized
Elusive, predatory toward livestock
Regular sightings continue
The Lore
The Beast of Dartmoor is one of Britain's most enduring phantom cat legends, centered on Dartmoor and the broader Devon countryside. Witnesses report a large, black, panther-like cat prowling the moors, often spotted at dusk or dawn. Livestock kills consistent with large predator attacks have been documented in the area for decades. The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act, which restricted private ownership of exotic cats, may have led to releases into the wild. While no specimen has been captured, thermal camera footage and plaster casts of large paw prints have been collected.
Body Type
Folklore Origin
Media Appearances
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (inspiration link)
- Big Cats in Britain (documentary)
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