WE shared the news that a big cat enthusiast claims she has seen a wild black leopard in Cumbria and is 'actively tracking' the beast.

Sharon Larkin-Snowden has dedicated her life to the discovery of big cats in the county and now believes she has infallible evidence that proves their existence.

This evidence includes the discovery of several mutilated sheep... and Sharon actually seeing the leopard with her own eyes.

Here's how readers reacted.

Phil Johnston said: "Stranger things have happened. They just pulled a snapping turtle out of a tarn."

Alison Searle said: "I've seen a black big cat twice in the last 25 years. Both were when I was with someone else and they both confirmed they saw it too. We are in Cambridgeshire."

Mark Scott said: "I've seen one in North Yorkshire. I was just as sceptical until I actually saw one with my own eyes."

Loula Belle said: "I heard they got let out of private zoos this started like 1960s or 1970s, people couldn’t afford to keep keeping them, I don't know if this is true, but then they’ve probably bred. I’d love to see one."

Kim Edmed replied and said: "That's what I was always told. When the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 came in to force, a number of exotic pets were let into the wild."

Andrew Pittilla added: "I saw one 20 years ago outside Durham. I know other people who have seen them."