A CLEAR sighting of an unidentified animal has thrown the mystery of the Forest's "beast" into confusion.
Fisherman Brett Laity, of Mitcheldean, had the shock of his life on Monday morning when a large sandy coloured animal with a long black tail joined him on the edge of a pond near Cannop and began to drink.
"It really shocked me. The animal was unaware I was there. I can tell you it was quite a surprise and I went as white as a ghost. It really put the wind up me," he said.
Mr Laity became so worried he picked up a stick and threw it at the animal which turned and disappeared into the undergrowth.
With a couple of exceptions, previous "beast" sightings have always been of a large black animal.
A year ago a sandy coloured animal was spotted by several people in the Bream district.
"It was in the Bream area for around two weeks and was seen by several people," said Danny Nineham, the local man who has built up a huge file of sightings and believes a number of large cats are roaming the area.
"There will be an increase in sightings now we have hot weather. While the cats can go without food for long periods they need water and more people will see evidence of them close to ponds and streams," he said.
•Spotted the "beast"? Let us know on Dean 841113.