{"id":2127,"date":"2019-05-07T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T11:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2127"},"modified":"2025-12-12T11:23:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:23:46","slug":"beast-of-exmoor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/beast-of-exmoor\/","title":{"rendered":"The Beast of Exmoor"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- Beast of Exmoor - v3 - Sanjai's Table Style --><\/p>\n<p><!-- Hero CTA Box --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1e5631 0%, #3d8b5a 100%); padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; margin-bottom: 40px; text-align: center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 24px;\">Planning a Wildlife Adventure on Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #e8f5e9; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px;\">Stay in a remote cottage in the heart of &#8220;Beast Country&#8221; &#8211; perfect for exploring Exmoor&#8217;s wild moorlands.<\/p>\n<p>  <a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #ffffff; color: #1e5631; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Explore Our Cottages<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p>The <strong>Beast of Exmoor<\/strong> is one of Britain&#8217;s most enduring mysteries &#8211; a large, panther-like creature said to roam the remote moorlands of Exmoor National Park. For over 50 years, locals and visitors have reported sightings of this elusive big cat, making it one of the most famous cryptids in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a believer, a sceptic, or simply curious, the legend of the Beast adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring Exmoor&#8217;s wild and beautiful landscapes. In this guide, we explore the history, sightings, theories, and the best places to visit if you want to search for the Beast yourself.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><!-- Table of Contents --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; padding: 25px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 30px 0; border-left: 4px solid #1e5631;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #1e5631;\">In This Guide<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: 0;\">\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#what-is-beast\"><strong>1.<\/strong> What is the Beast of Exmoor?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#sightings\"><strong>2.<\/strong> Famous Sightings &#038; Evidence<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#theories\"><strong>3.<\/strong> Theories &#038; Explanations<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#where-to-look\"><strong>4.<\/strong> Where to Look for the Beast<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#wildlife\"><strong>5.<\/strong> Exmoor&#8217;s Real Wildlife<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#cottages\"><strong>6.<\/strong> Stay in Beast Country<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#faqs\"><strong>7.<\/strong> Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-beast\">1. What is the Beast of Exmoor?<\/h2>\n<p>The Beast of Exmoor is described as a large, wild cat &#8211; typically resembling a black panther or puma &#8211; that has been spotted across the moors and farmlands of Exmoor in Somerset and Devon since the 1970s.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Quick Facts Table --><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tr style=\"background-color: #1e5631; color: white;\">\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Beast of Exmoor: Quick Facts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd; width: 40%;\"><strong>First Major Sightings<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">1970s onwards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Typical Description<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Large cat, 1-2 metres long (nose to tail)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Colour<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Dark grey, tan, or black<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Similar To<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Panther, puma, or large feral cat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Status<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Unconfirmed &#8211; no definitive proof exists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>The creature is part of Britain&#8217;s broader &#8220;big cat&#8221; phenomenon, with similar beasts reported across the country. However, Exmoor&#8217;s remote terrain, dark valleys, and sparse population make it a particularly compelling location for such a creature to exist undetected.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/beast-of-exmoor-2-e1666819229405.jpg\" alt=\"Artist impression of the Beast of Exmoor - a large panther-like cat\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 550px; display: block; margin: 25px auto; border-radius: 8px;\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: #666; font-size: 14px;\">The Beast is typically described as a large, panther-like creature<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"sightings\">2. Famous Sightings &#038; Evidence<\/h2>\n<h3>The 1983 Livestock Attacks<\/h3>\n<p>The Beast gained national attention in the early 1980s when a South Molton farmer reported losing over <strong>100 sheep in just three months<\/strong>. The injuries were described as consistent with large cat attacks &#8211; clean kills with claw marks that domestic dogs couldn&#8217;t replicate.<\/p>\n<p>The attacks were so severe that the Royal Marines were deployed to Exmoor in 1983 to hunt the creature. Despite extensive searching with night-vision equipment and trained snipers, no beast was captured &#8211; though some soldiers reported brief sightings.<\/p>\n<h3>The 2006 Puma Skull<\/h3>\n<p>In 2006, a significant piece of evidence emerged when a Devon farmer discovered a puma skull. The British Big Cats Society confirmed it was genuine. However, DEFRA maintained their official position: <em>&#8220;Based on the evidence, DEFRA does not believe that big cats are living in the wild in England.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Ongoing Sightings<\/h3>\n<p>Sightings continue to this day. Walkers, farmers, and drivers regularly report seeing large cat-like creatures, particularly around:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Simonsbath<\/strong> and the remote central moors<\/li>\n<li><strong>Exford<\/strong> and the surrounding valleys<\/li>\n<li><strong>South Molton<\/strong> area (Devon side)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dulverton<\/strong> and the Barle Valley<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/beast-of-exmoor-3-e1666819183599.jpg\" alt=\"Silhouette of a large cat on Exmoor moorland\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 550px; display: block; margin: 25px auto; border-radius: 8px;\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"theories\">3. Theories &#038; Explanations<\/h2>\n<h3>The Exotic Pet Theory<\/h3>\n<p>The most widely accepted explanation relates to the <strong>Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976<\/strong>. Before this law, keeping exotic pets like big cats was largely unregulated in the UK. When the act came into force, requiring expensive licences and strict conditions, it&#8217;s believed some owners may have simply released their animals into the wild.<\/p>\n<p>A black leopard or puma released in the 1970s could theoretically have survived for 12-15 years &#8211; but this wouldn&#8217;t explain sightings continuing into the 2020s. Unless there&#8217;s a breeding population&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3>The Hybrid Theory<\/h3>\n<p>Some researchers have suggested the possibility of a hybrid big cat. Carl Hagenbeck, a famous animal collector, successfully bred a leopard-puma hybrid in captivity in the early 20th century. Could a similar hybrid exist on Exmoor?<\/p>\n<h3>The Sceptical View<\/h3>\n<p>Sceptics argue that most sightings are simply misidentified animals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large domestic cats (some can reach impressive sizes)<\/li>\n<li>Dogs, particularly black ones seen at a distance<\/li>\n<li>Deer &#8211; their movement can appear cat-like in poor light<\/li>\n<li>Psychological factors &#8211; we see what we expect to see<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><!-- Mid-content CTA --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1e5631 0%, #3d8b5a 100%); padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; margin: 40px 0; text-align: center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 22px;\">Stay in the Heart of Beast Country<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #e8f5e9; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px;\">Our remote cottages near Exford, Simonsbath, and Dulverton put you right in the middle of Exmoor&#8217;s wildest terrain.<\/p>\n<p>  <a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #ffffff; color: #1e5631; padding: 12px 28px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; margin: 5px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-exford\">Cottages near Exford<\/a><br \/>\n  <a style=\"display: inline-block; background: transparent; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 28px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border: 2px solid #ffffff; margin: 5px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-dulverton\">Cottages near Dulverton<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"where-to-look\">4. Where to Look for the Beast<\/h2>\n<p>If you fancy yourself a Beast-hunter, here are the best areas to explore. These remote locations offer the terrain a large cat would need: cover, prey, water, and minimal human disturbance.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Sighting Locations Table --><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tr style=\"background-color: #1e5631; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Location<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Why It&#8217;s Good<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Explore<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Simonsbath &#038; Central Moors<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Remote heart of Exmoor &#8211; vast moorland with deep valleys. Most credible sightings occur here.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/exford-circular-walk\/\">View Walks<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Barle Valley (Dulverton)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Wooded valley provides perfect cover. Visit Tarr Steps and explore ancient woodlands.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/tarr-steps\/\">Tarr Steps<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Exford &#038; Surrounding Hills<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Village at crossroads of valleys &#8211; ideal predator terrain. Walk to Dunkery Beacon at dusk.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-exford\">Stay Here<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>South Molton Area<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Devon side of Exmoor. Site of the famous 1983 sheep attacks.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Browse All<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Best time to look:<\/strong> Dusk and dawn, when big cats are most active. The autumn rutting season (September-November) is also prime time, as increased deer activity may draw out predators.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"wildlife\">5. Exmoor&#8217;s Real Wildlife<\/h2>\n<p>While the Beast remains elusive, Exmoor is genuinely one of the UK&#8217;s best destinations for wildlife. With over 250 square miles of protected National Park, you&#8217;re almost guaranteed to see something special.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Wildlife Table --><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tr style=\"background-color: #1e5631; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Wildlife<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Details<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Best Time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Red Deer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">England&#8217;s largest wild land mammal. 3,000+ roam Exmoor.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Autumn rut (Sept-Nov)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Exmoor Ponies<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Oldest native British breed, roaming wild on the moors.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Year-round<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Birds of Prey<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Buzzards, kestrels, and peregrine falcons.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Spring-Summer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Otters<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Found along rivers Barle, Exe, and Lyn.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Dawn\/Dusk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>For a guided wildlife adventure, join a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/deer-on-exmoor-an-adventure-at-dusk\/\">Red Deer Safari<\/a> &#8211; expert guides take you into the heart of deer country at dusk.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"cottages\">6. Stay in Beast Country<\/h2>\n<p>Make the most of your Exmoor adventure by staying in a holiday cottage right in the heart of &#8220;Beast country&#8221;. These handpicked properties offer the perfect base for wildlife watching, moorland walks, and exploring Exmoor&#8217;s wild landscapes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Cottage Recommendations Table --><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tr style=\"background-color: #1e5631; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Cottage<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Location<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sleeps<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Perfect For<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Book<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Cascade Cottage<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Exford<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Central Exmoor, moorland walks<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Book Now<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Keeper&#8217;s Cottage<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Dulverton<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">6<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Barle Valley, Tarr Steps nearby<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Book Now<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>The Shippen<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Withypool<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Remote &#038; romantic, dark skies<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Book Now<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><strong>Moorland View<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Simonsbath<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Remote central moors, wildlife<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Book Now<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 25px;\">\n  <a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1e5631; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Browse All Cottages<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; font-size: 18px;\">Is the Beast of Exmoor real?<\/h3>\n<p>There&#8217;s no definitive proof, but hundreds of credible sightings over 50+ years suggest something unusual exists on Exmoor. Whether it&#8217;s a genuine big cat, a hybrid, or misidentified animals remains a mystery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; font-size: 18px;\">Is it dangerous to walk on Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p>No. There has never been a reported attack on a human. If a big cat does exist, it&#8217;s extremely shy and avoids people. Exmoor is perfectly safe for walking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; font-size: 18px;\">When is the best time to spot the Beast?<\/h3>\n<p>Dusk and dawn are when big cats are most active. Autumn (September-November) is particularly good, as increased deer activity may draw out predators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; font-size: 18px;\">Where have most sightings occurred?<\/h3>\n<p>The central moors around Simonsbath, Exford, and the Barle Valley (near Dulverton) have the highest concentration of reported sightings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; font-size: 18px;\">What other wildlife can I see on Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p>Exmoor is home to red deer, wild Exmoor ponies, otters, badgers, foxes, and numerous bird species. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/deer-on-exmoor-an-adventure-at-dusk\/\">deer safari<\/a> is a great way to see wildlife up close.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><!-- Related Posts --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; padding: 25px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 30px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #1e5631; margin-top: 0;\">Explore More of Exmoor<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">\n<li style=\"padding: 6px 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/top-10-exmoor-walking-spots\/\" style=\"color: #1e5631;\">Top 10 Exmoor Walking Spots<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 6px 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/exmoor-ponies\/\" style=\"color: #1e5631;\">All About Exmoor Ponies<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 6px 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/tarr-steps\/\" style=\"color: #1e5631;\">Tarr Steps &#8211; Ancient Bridge &#038; Nature Reserve<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding: 6px 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/exmoor-dark-sky-discovery-trail\/\" style=\"color: #1e5631;\">Dark Sky Discovery Trail<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Final CTA --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1e5631 0%, #3d8b5a 100%); padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; margin-top: 40px; text-align: center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 24px;\">Ready to Explore Wild Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color: #e8f5e9; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px;\">Browse our collection of handpicked holiday cottages across Exmoor National Park.<\/p>\n<p>  <a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #ffffff; color: #1e5631; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/all-cottages\">Find Your Perfect Cottage<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); font-size: 14px; margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 0;\">Trusted by thousands of guests | Price match guarantee | Book direct for best rates<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning a Wildlife Adventure on Exmoor? Stay in a remote cottage in the heart of &#8220;Beast Country&#8221; &#8211; perfect for exploring Exmoor&#8217;s wild moorlands. Explore Our Cottages The Beast of Exmoor is one of &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/beast-of-exmoor\/\" aria-label=\"The Beast of Exmoor\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2152,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[190,51],"tags":[321],"class_list":["post-2127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exmoor-attractions","category-exmoor-news","tag-exmoor-animals"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Beast of Exmoor | What is this mysterious feline?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Beast of Exmoor - an elusive creature, roaming the moors of Exmoor... or perhaps just roaming our imaginations..? 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