POLICE in Scotland have warned the residents of two Ayrshire villages that a blank panther is on the loose in the area.
Officers have advised anyone in and around the villages of Drongan or Coalhall to be "vigilant" after the big cat was spotted on the local B730 road at 8.45am this morning.
In a statement, Ayrshire Police urged dog walkers in particular to steer clear of the animal - which may be injured.
They confirmed that an animal expert had verified that the animal was indeed a panther.
"Residents in Drongan and Coalhall are being advised by officers to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730 between the two villages," a police spokesman said.
POLICE SAFETY WARNING - DRONGAN AND COALHALL
Officers are asking residents to be vigilant after a report has been received of a sighting of what is believed to be a black panther in the fields near to the B730. Do not approach it, contact Police via 101.https://t.co/77r8msC3ds pic.twitter.com/psFmPUHWDD— AyrshirePolice (@AyrshirePolice) October 19, 2018
"Officers are currently working with the SSPCA to locate the animal which may be injured.
"The area is popular with dog walkers so care should be taken and if anyone sees the animal we would ask you not to approach it, but to contact Police via 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday 19 October 2018."
According to local media, a helicopter has been dispatched in the search for the panther.
A Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue spokesperson said: "We have liaised with Police Scotland and informed them that we are unequipped to deal with such animals and therefore will not be involved in investigating the incident."
Anyone who believes they have seen the Ayrshire panther is asked to call Police on 101 quoting incident number 0780 of Friday, October 19 2018.
See More: Ayrshire, Black Panther, Scotland
