THE Pembrokeshire panther is on the prowl again, this time in the village of Letterston.

Martin Hughes, of Preseli Animal Homecare, came face to face with what he believes was a panther last Friday night (May 2nd).

“I was putting away our animals when I heard a bit of a commotion with the geese,” said Mr Hughes who runs a small holding in Letterston with his wife.

“I saw a big black animal, I went towards it and then realised what it was. He looked at me and I looked at him and then he shot off with a 30lb goose in his mouth.”

The animal was around 30 feet away from Mr Hughes and the pair stared each other down for about 15 seconds.

“He didn’t expect to see me there and I didn’t expect to see him,” said Mr Hughes. “I was shaking for about two hours after.”

Mr Hughes described the animal as jet black, about three and a half foot tall, four foot long, with a long black tail, large head and paws and big teeth.

“It was beautiful but it’s a bit scary that thing is running round loose,” he said. “I’ve seen panthers in the zoo. That’s what it was.”

Dyfed-Powys police said that anyone who sees what they think might be a big cat is advised not to approach the animal, and to stay a safe distance away from it.

“They can report the sighting to police who will pass the report on to the Welsh Assembly,” said a spokesman.

“Experts believe that it is highly unlikely that such animals pose a threat to the public. However if anyone feels they are in immediate danger from a big cat then they should call 999 and ask for police assistance.”