Cryptozoologists conclude 'Beast of Exmoor' carcass is grey seal

A CARCASS found washed up on a beach in North Devon which initially was suggested could be the remains of the ‘Exmoor Beast’, has been officially identified as that of a grey seal.
The skull (pictured) of the creature found in Croyde Bay was taken away for examination by the Centre for Fortean Zoology, which is based in North Devon and investigates reports of ‘unknown’ animals.
Centre director Jon Downes and colleagues studied the skull and other evidence to identify it as quickly as possible.
They concluded it was a grey seal with ‘abnormal nasal cavities’ which gave it more a ‘beast’ appearance.
Mr Downes said: “The story is solved. It was a seal which may have had slightly abnormal nasal cavities.
“We are now in a position to be able to state this as incontrovertible fact.
“The CFZ went out and got the skull, and will be keeping it in our museum because of the minor position which it will always hold in the history of cryptozoology.”
Photographs of the corpse were also sent to be studied by Tetrapod Zoology, which agreed with the conclusion.
Zoologist Darren Naish said: “Without doubt it is a grey seal after all.
“Short nasals and a deep nasal cavity are both characteristic of Halichoerus, the grey seal.
“The skull definitely belongs to that taxon, case closed.”

'Exmoor Beast' or 'grey seal' debate over carcass found on beach

CLAIMS that the remains of the ‘Exmoor Beast’ may have been washed up on a beach have been dismissed by animal experts.
The carcass of a creature was spotted on rocks at Croyde, in North Devon, by people out walking on Tuesday and the police were alerted.
Although badly decomposed, the body of the ‘beast’ was described as being ‘the size of a calf’ but with jaws containing ‘canine teeth’.
The creature was five feet long with black fur and its teeth were said to make it look ‘quite beastlike’.
Opinion on the identity of the remains has been divided, with initial excitement generated by suggestions it could be the fabled ‘Beast of Exmoor’, which first hit the headlines 30 years ago after a series of mysterious sheep killings.
But now experts believe it is more likely to be a marine creature, possibly a seal or a sea lion
Its size and dental formula with a mammalian teeth structure and the spacing of the ribs and skeletal bones pointed to it being a grey seal, and certainly a marine-dweller.
Exmoor Zoo education officer Stephen Eddy said: “My guess is a seal, looking at its teeth and shape of the limbs.”

Exmoor Beast riders return for end of season challenge

SEVERAL hundred cyclists will be hitting the roads and lanes of Exmoor on Sunday for the second annual Exmoor Beast, a 100-mile end-of-season race.
This year, the start and finish is at Wimbleball Lake, and the routes takes in Wheddon Cross, Dunster, Minehead, Lynmouth, and Simonsbath.
The event is already considered one of the best and most challenging cyclo-sportives of the year and offers a choice of routes over either 100 miles or 100 kilometres.
The Exmoor Beast has been devised by professional event co-ordinators and experienced sportive riders, who have been observing and learning from the varying organisational standards of UK promotions.
Chief organiser, ex-Royal Marine Marcus Di Vincenzo, said: “The domestic sportive scene needed a spectacular fixture, which is a fitting finale to the annual calendar and we will provide all the trimmings that will form the ideal climax to the season.
“We have the expertise and highly-trained manpower to enable the Exmoor Beast to be safely and successfully tamed, providing you give it the respect it deserves and have prepared properly.
“If the awesome climbs do not take your breath away, then the fantastic scenery certainly will and our aim is to make the journey from entry to post ride recovery smooth, enjoyable and truly memorable.”
Exmoor Beast is being held in partnership with BikeSomerset and this year has attracted nearly 1,000 competitors.
The first riders set off at 7 am on Sunday and the first to arrive back at Wimbleball are expected at about 1.30 pm.
The race will be raising money for the charity National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

• Our photograph shows riders crossing the finishing line in last year's Exmoor Beast. Photo by Active Exmoor.