Ken Lilly (British, 1929 - 1996) "European Wild Cat" Initialed lower middle. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 31p Species at Risk; Wild Cat stamp issued May 20, 1986. The rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands is one of the last strongholds for one of the world's rarest breeds of cats -- the European Wild Cat. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, this beautiful creature has sandy color with gray stripes marking its back and flanks, and dark rings circling its tail. Suspicious of man and populated areas, the Wild Cat dwells in forests where it can conceal itself in deep shadows and undergrowth. During daylight hours, the Wild Cat usually stays under cover. However, if the day is warm, it may enjoy sunning itself on a tree stump or rock. With the coming of twilight, the Wild Cat will begin to prowl meadows, clover fields and the forest's edge in search of its prey of small rodents. A solitary hunter, the Wild Cat marks its territory as its own by clawing at the base of trees and shrubs. Indeed, the Wild Cat will only seek the company of other Cats during the mating season. In the spring, females give birth to two to four kittens. During their first three months of life, the mother Wild Cat will teach her young how to stalk prey and even catch fish before sending them away to fend for themselves. Image Size: 13.5 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 16 x 16 in. Unframed. (B10224) See More