s there are such wide ranging estimates of the number of wildcats living in Scotland - from 400 to 4000 - Scottish Natural Heritage is asking all walkers to report sightings.
As they point out they can be very difficult to see, and even when they are seen it is hard to know for sure that it is a wildcat, as they are often seen at dusk.
Here's a map of confirmed wildcat sightings. It is quite encouraging that they are spread so much across Scotland.
Wildcat Survey
Thats great news if these cats are on the incline, and if this is confirmed sightings recorded already it looks a good figure.
I hope it is closer to the 4000 number, but it is also good that the cats seem to be able to survive in a wide range of Scotland and therefore aren't confined to a single area which could be destroyed. I quite fancy a trip to Scotland to see if I can spot any!
you might have to make it a long trip Xeract!! I've lived in scotland all my life and never seen a wildcat. that said though i'm not in an area where they are seen though, but have been to the highland areas on holiday
Unfortunately, the only wildcat I've ever seen is behind mesh at the British Wildlife Centre. Although not very big I was glad that there was something between us as it looked quite fearsome - I wouldn't fancy getting between one and where it wanted to be
Not sure how successful the survey will be as the cats are perfectly camouflaged and I'd be surprised if most walkers would spot them if they passed within even a few feet.
It would have to be a very long trip, there are so few of them and they are so difficult to spot. I think that on the whole, the only people who are going to see them will be actively looking and know the kinds of places and times where they are most likely to be seen. It would still be fun to try though!
I've only seen pictures but I agree with you Timberwolf, you definitely wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of one!
They are also extremely shy, and will likely know about most walkers long before they could ever be spotted anyway. It makes them difficult to count but it also helps them survive.