A BIG cat warning sign has been posted on the gate by Nympsfield wind turbine.

Gloucestershire Camera Club member Mandy Francis Shipway photographed the sign and the surrounding field and turbine while out walking yesterday.

It is not clear who created and posted the sign.

It reads: "Warning Big Cats!

"Big cats have been seen in this area."

It continues: "Whilst big cats are not officially listed as animals which are native to the UK, it is widely accepted that there may be a small breeding population of these animals in the British wilderness.

It ends with the advice: "If you do encounter a big cat, try to stay calm and wave your arms above your head to make yourself appear as large as possible whilst making lots of noise to try and scare it away."

There have been many reported sightings of big cats in Gloucestershire, with some more convincing than others.

Rumors circulate that after the Dangerous and Wild Animals Act, 1976, owners of exotic pets released them rather than go to the expense of obeying the law.

Two local sightings were debunked in the Stroud News and Journal at the end of last month. See: The truth about Stroud's 'big cat' pictured this weekend