BLUE MOUNTAINS LIONS

There have been a number of sightings in the Blue Mountains of Australia of what are termed 'Blue Mountains Lions'; but, as Rex Gilroy observes, they are generally described as looking like part lion, part something else.

They are also known as Warrigals or Rock Dogs.  The term Warrigal is usually applied to a dingo, but is more widely used.  It can even mean an uncouth Australian.  This creature, whatever it is, seems to be quite distinct from a dingo.  It is described as being large and shaggy with a mane.  Its body is wolflike, its head catlike. Gilroy's notion that it is an unknown marsupial is not without value.

Sightings seem to have started in the 19th Century.  In 1885 a man was supposedly killed by one, a shaggy lionlike creature.  One was supposed to be roaming the Megalong Valley in 1889 because of kills found.  It was known as the Megalong Monster.

In 1917 what was described as a lioness was seen emerging from a cave.  A lion was reported in 1919.  In 1945 a group of four creatures was seen.  In the early 1950s these creatures were supposedly very active, but sightings declined from 1955.  However, more sightings were reported in the 1970s.

A famous member of this species was variously known as the Monster of Erskine Gap and the Katoomba Lion.

The most recent report of which I know was that of a possible sighting in the Wild Dog Mountains in 1992.

The species has also been associated with roaring sounds.

The identity of this cryptid remains a mystery.

Blue Mountains

[Sources for this article: Williams/Lang Australia's Big Cats;
Gilroy Mysterious Australia].