Frank Tunbridge, a Somerset resident who had studied wildlife for decades, has received dozens of emails and calls reporting big cat sightings in recent years.

A Florida man was mauled by a black leopard after he paid $150 for a "full contact" experience that left him with gruesome injuries, according to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Leopard in long grass after being darted (Image: Wildlife SOS) "Jaw traps are lethal hunting devices which can cause severe lacerations, joint dislocations, fractures and even death in most cases.” It took several hours to complete the rescue operation but, after being sedated, the leopard was given a thorough examination and treatment, having fortunately escaped breaking its leg.

There was little hope for the seven month old cub when she was brought in for treatment at the Wildlife SOS Leopard Rescue Centre after being hit by a speeding vehicle trying to cross a busy road to catch up with her mother.