THREE wallabies belonging to a private collector have been found savaged and stripped to the bone, heightening fears that a bloodthirsty big cat is on the prowl near Stroud.

The gruesome discovery was made by the owner of the creatures and follows a spate of dear killings, which experts say have all the hallmarks of a powerful predator – possibly a puma, jaguar or leopard.

Examinations of the mutilated wallabies have revealed that they suffered puncture wounds to the neck, a sign that the trio were probably the victims of a panther-like beast.

Their internal organs were also placed neatly beside their ravaged bodies – another indication that would suggest a big cat is behind the killings.

Ever since the discovery of a disemboweled roe deer in the grounds of Woodchester Park speculation has been rife that a wild cat is stalking the serene Cotswold countryside.

Suspicions that a big cat is on the hunt in the Five Valleys were lent further credence when a dog walker stumbled across a second deer carcass between Whiteway and Rendcomb, near Cirencester, on January 10.

A few days later a third half-eaten deer was discovered in Cooper’s Edge, near Gloucester.

The mangled remains of the wallabies were found just 12 miles away from where the first dear was mauled. Despite being enclosed in a 7ft high outdoor paddock, it is believed the beast managed to scale the fence in order to feast on its prey.

Although the dead wallabies were discovered two days after the first dear killing, news of their deaths has only just come to light.

The Gloucestershire farmer who owned the creatures asked to remain anonymous, opting not to disclose his location.

DNA samples taken from the first deer killed by the mystery predator are currently being examined to determine whether or not a wild cat is responsible for the killings.

The results of the DNA tests, which are being carried out by experts from Warwick University, are expected to be made public next week.