Reports of the Durham Puma stretch across County Durham, from Consett and Beamish to Tow Law and the Derwent Valley- where witnesses have described both tawny puma-like cats and large black panther-type animals moving silently through fields and woodland. Many sightings began after the 1970s exotic-pet law changes, leading researchers to believe multiple big cats may have been released into the region. Locals report long tails, powerful feline movement, and occasional livestock kills with clean, predatory bite marks. With sightings continuing into the 2020s, the Durham Puma remains one of northern England’s longest-running ABC (Alien Big Cat) mysteries.