"Introduction"

The Word "Beast"
When people hear the word "Beast," it tends to conjure up images of a very large and hairy creature with fangs and claws, lurking in the darkness of the shadows ready to pounce, it's also used to describe sex offenders. the word "BEAST" is grossly misunderstood, so What is a Beast? the definition of the word means: (Any animal other than man, a large wild quadruped) In other words - any large wild four legged animal, even Cow's are know as beasts.

The Site:
This site has been constructed; to learn just what type of exotic animals are in fact out there in the UK and where. I'm fairly new to Zoology Cryptozoology and Web Design, although I hope to pick up on these as I go along, so please bear with me, (excuse the pun) any comments advice or constructive criticisms would be most welcomed. I'm hoping as reports come in they'll be placed into our now rather comprehensive database, and in the appropriate sections on our website, then you'll be able to see just how these exotics are distributing themselves. However I'm sure you'll appreciate, that for the safety of these and the general public, the precise locations of those residential creatures may be withheld. So please keep coming to see us, as we continually update the site.

Myself:
Hi my name's Chris Mullins, my occupation was previously a carpenter, I live in Loughborough of Leicestershire and have done so all my life, I'm now divorced after 25 years of marriage, but been blessed with a son and 6 daughters of whom I love very much indeed, I recently had a battle with cancer and won, thanks to my loving family and those wonderful doctors and nurses at the Leicester General Hospital, "Ward 23" "Thanks Guys."

I'm proud of my heritage as both my grandparents were well respected Romany Gypsies and I've learnt in my lifetime that we meet with all kinds of people, some good, some bad, but I believe that the people we all meet in our lifetime, are akin to resting places along life’s journey and we take with us (learn) something new from each and every one of them, which carries us through to the next level.

Again I feel the need to stress here, that I'm not, and probably never will be, an expert in the fields of Zoology and Crypto-zoology, it's an interest, but I'm learning.........and doing something I feel is worth while.

I've been following the movements of the UK big cats, for around nine years or so now, and due to being in the right place at the right time I've had three sightings so far of black panther like animals all of which I thank you the general public for this privilege. I've also had an encounter with a small brown bear-like creature one evening whilst driving home from taking the kids to the coast for the day. My interests include: Country-walking, Cryptozoology, Wildlife Video Photography and All Phenomena. This may be the reason for my own personal interest in big cats and other exotics (out of place animals) out there in the UK, If an apple were to grow on a pear tree, I'd want to know why! And as a child I was always intrigued by the tales of rats being seen the size of cats, (the domestic variety of course) and wondered if some of these were in fact Coypu escaped from zoo's or private collections, or did rats actually grow to that size?….. Hmmm …… look out cats!

Since beginning BeastWatch (UK) back in 2001, I've felt honoured and privileged to have met, shook hands and spoken with such a variety of interesting people, as well as received brief mentions in relative books such as; "Leicestershire & Rutland - Tales of Mystery & Murder" Written By; our well known storyteller of Leicestershire David Bell, also "Three Men Seeking Monsters" Written By; International bestselling author; Nick Redfern, as well as being interviewed by Local, National and International Media. through Newspapers Radio and TV, so from a very nervous young boy, I've developed into a rather nervous young man, especially where TV is concerned.

 

I'm a proud member of the worthwhile organisations mentioned below, if your interested in any of these, why not join up yourself? just click on the logos for their links.

Our Objectives:
Our aim here will be to collate and gather as much information and evidence of exotic wildlife within the UK as possible, by collaborating with eyewitnesses, and other organizations and wildlife groups, as well as the press etc wherever we can.

Beastwatch UK, is only a very small non-profit making organization but in order for us to work effectively, we need to expand ourselves throughout the British Isles, as there just aren’t enough of us at present to cover such vast areas throughout the UK. Therefore we’re continually looking for new members all up and down the country to join us, there is no joining fee at present, but the work is purely on a voluntary basis, so if you're interested in joining us, you can email us here or just click on Membership but please let us know of your intentions within the group.

If you wish to follow any of our work in the UK, then visit Expeditions & Investigations

The Exotic's:
Why are they here? there are several reasons for this, some are escapees like the Coypu, Wallaby and Wild Boar, whilst others are introduced or reintroduced species like the Wolf and European Beaver. We humans have been introducing wild exotics for thousands of years worldwide, some have been successful whilst others have not, but in most cases not, as establishing a thriving and breeding population may have a negative ecological impact in the chosen areas in which they have been established.

The reasons for the introduction of these animals are numerous, i.e. as a source of food, for their Fur/Pelts, Conservation, Sport, Malice and even financial. But whatever the reason there will always be exotics of one kind or another out there and not just in the UK.

Some of the reasons for the failure of an introduced species can fall upon our climate, predators or just insufficient food supply, so the more adaptable and wary these creatures are or become the more likely a chance they have of survival.

Thank you for taking the time to read this page, I hope you'll come and join us in our search for some of these wierd and wonderful ceatures.

Chris Mullins
Founder & Co-ordinator
BeastWatch (UK)
info@beastwatch.co.uk
Tel: 01509 551 621
Mobile: 077 6969 3459

 

Beastwatch UK, would like it to be known that it is run strictly on a non violent/no kill basis.