Laurence Dollimore
THE search for a black panther in Granada has continued today after a cyclist snapped a photo of what appears to show the big cat on a prowl in the countryside.
The image has struck fear in the population of roughly 600 in Ventas de Huelma, where the local government has advised residents to steer clear of wooded areas.
Guardia Civil and its animal welfare arm Seprona have been tracking the animal since Friday.
Helicopters, trackers and thermal cameras continue to be used to hunt down the dangerous cat, with the latest photo breeding new life into the hunt.
The image shows what appears to be a large black cat walking on a path among some trees.
On Tuesday another resident said he saw the animal at around 2pm strolling some 20 metres from his car in the area of Cortijo de Noniles.
As authorities try to locate the big cat, the town hall has once again asked residents to avoid wooded areas and ‘under no circumstances’ to go and search for it.
Locals have, naturally, been advised to steer clear of the animal if they happen to come across it and to call the 112 emergency number.
Panthers travel long distances with ease and are constantly changing locations, the town hall said, asking residents to remain ‘alert.’
