Encounter Atlas
In the late 19th century farmers around Tantanoola in South Australia lost sheep to a mysterious predator that locals called the Tantanoola Tiger. Search parties were organised and the story spread widely in colonial newspapers.
In August 1895 a local man, Thomas Donovan, shot an animal believed to be the culprit. It turned out to be a wolf, later identified as an Arabian wolf. How it reached Australia has never been settled; theories include an escape from a ship.
The stuffed animal is still on display at the Tantanoola Hotel, and the local football club is called the Tigers. It is a rare case where a 'phantom cat' story ended with a body.
What witnesses report
- Sheep killed at night
- A large, striped or dog-like predator
- Tracks bigger than a fox's
Famous cases
- 1895Thomas Donovan shoots the 'tiger', which proves to be a wolf
Tantanoola, South Australia
Seen the Tantanoola Tiger?
Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.
