Paw print
© UnknownThe paw print seen at the golf course
Can you identify this huge paw print?

The marking was discovered in a bunker at a Gravesend golf course - and has left the finders puzzled.

The question now is whether it was left by the elusive black panther believed to be roaming north Kent, pranksters - or some other exotic creature.

The large tracks were discovered by golfer Paul Bowles in a sand bunker.

The 28-year-old, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend was playing a round of golf with friends at Southern Valley Golf Club on Saturday, February 14, when they spotted the set of footprints by the seventh and 11th hole.

Mr Bowles said: "My brother Kevin put his size 10 foot beside it and it wasn't much smaller. The tracks stretched across the width of the bunker. I can't see how it could be a hoax because there were no other markings in the sand."

Only last week The Messenger reported on a big cat sighting in a field near Bean Primary School.

It is also not the first time unusual animal tracks have been discovered on the golf course in Thong Lane, Shorne.

A member of staff revealed how the paw prints are becoming a popular talking point at the club.

She said: "There have been prints like this before. It is usually the green keepers who spot them when they are out first thing in the morning. We think it is a panther."

But badger experts have ruled out any links to that animal.

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