Farmers in North Yorkshire are being put on alert after a walker came face to face with what appeared to be a panther.

The man, from Harrogate, had just discovered the remains of a recently-killed deer and turned round to see a black panther-like animal staring back at him. The encounter occurred at Birstwith Top, near Summer Bridge, between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge.

The deer carcass had claw marks on it and there are fears that the large cat may be attacking wildlife in the area.

Dorothy Fairburn, regional director for the Country Land and Business Association in Yorkshire, said the death of the deer was "worrying".

She said: "We are concerned that farm animals could also be attacked because a panther, like all animals, needs to eat.

"In this case, if the animal is a panther, it will rest for a few days after eating its fill and can then travel 60 to 90 miles in 24 hours."

Miss Fairburn added: "We need to alert farmers to be on their guard and to ensure their farm animals are as protected as possible."

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, January 23, 2001