Wildcats are extremely elusive and of course, there are not that many of them! To glimpse one in the wild is therefore a rare and exhilarating privilege. You can improve your chances by:
Being in Scotland!
Being out at dawn and dusk.
Visiting preferred habitats such as woodland edge, rough grassland, moorland fringe.
Being in an area that holds good prey numbers. Wildcats main prey are rabbits and voles.
Being quiet and still – view from a car if practical.
Being persistent – wildcats can range over large areas.
Knowing the difference between a wildcat and a domestic cat
(VIEW THE ID GUIDE - DOWNLOAD PDF)
But please be aware that wildcats are a legally protected species, so don’t disturb them and please do let us know about your sighting. REPORT YOUR SIGHTING
If you’re looking to get a good look at a wildcat and would prefer some expert assistance in order to learn more about them, try one of the following captive facilities:
Highland Wildlife Park
Kincraig, Kingussie, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom, PH21 1NL
44 (0)1540 651270 fax: 44 (0)1540 651236 drichardson@rzss.org.uk
Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre
Glascorrie Road, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
44 (0)1764 679469
Birmingham Nature Centre
Pershore Road, Birmingham, West Mid, England, United Kingdom, B5 7RL
44 (0)121 472 7775 fax:44 121 472 5186 les_basford@birmingham.gov.uk
British Wildlife Centre
Gate House Farm, Newchapel, Lingfield, England, United Kingdom, RH7 6LF
44 (0)1342 834658
Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Camperdown Park, Dundee, Tayside, Scotland, United Kingdom, DD2 4TF
44 (0)1382 431 806 fax: 44 (0)1382 431 810 aileen.whitelaw@dundeecity.gov.uk
Chestnut Centre Conservation Park
Castleton Road, Chapel En Le Frith,, England, United Kingdom, SK12 6PE
44 (0)1298 814099 fax:44 1298 816213
Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park
Lochfergus Plantation, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom DG6 4XX
Office: (+44) 01557 331645 Fax: (+44) 01557 331645, email info@gallowaywildlife.co.uk
Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre
Stone Road, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, England, ST21 6JY
Contact: Jeniffer Smith Data current to 9 Nov 2007
Palacerigg Country Park
Palacerigg Road, Cumbernauld, Scotland, United Kingdom, G67 3HU
44 (0)1236 720047 fax: 44 (0)1236 458271
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Port Lympne, Lympe, Hythe, Kent, England, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD
44 (0)1303 264 647 fax: (0)44 1303 264944 animal.records@howletts.net
The Ark Animal Sanctuary
Evesham
Norfolk Wildlife Park
Great Witchingham, N, England, United Kingdom, NR9 5QS
44 1603 872274
The New Forest Otter & Owl Centre
Deerleap Lane, Southampton, Hants, England, United Kingdom, SO40 4UH
44 (0)2380 292408
Wildwood Trust
Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent, United Kingdom, CT6 7LQ
0871 7820081
The wildcat is of great significance to all members of Clan Macpherson, since it is has for centuries been the Crest of the Chief and the emblem used to mark membership of our Macpherson heritage and Clan.
