An escaped lynx taunted zoo bosses by posing for a picture next to a trap - before refusing to take the bait and running off into the bushes.

The Eurasian lynx, called Lilleth, was seen staring at the secret camera next to a cage, but became suspicious and disappeared into darkness.

Lilleth - who has been missing for over a week - has evaded heat-seeking helicopters, zoo keepers armed with dart guns, and dozens of police officers on her trail.

She is believed to be in the land surrounding Borth Wild Animal Kingdom, near Aberystwyth, but farmers fear she could flee further afield and attack livestock. The zoo has now released pictures of Lilleth next to one of the cages set up in their hopes to catch her.

Wildlife photographer Thomas Martin said: 'It looks as though the lynx might as well be giving them the middle finger by staring straight at the camera. The camera would have been activated by a motion sensor and then flashed right at it. It may have scared the lynx away from the trap.

'It certainly documents a failed attempt at catching it!'

The zoo has been closed since Monday so staff can focus on catching Lilleth, but owner Tracy Tweedy, 46, said insisted they staff are getting closer to catching her.

She said experts were using: 'Old fashioned tracking skills and modern technology working together to catch Lillith safely.

'Fingers crossed we get closer than last night.'

'The zoo will remain closed today while the hunt for Lillith continues as she evaded our traps last night, although we did get some excellent footage of her on camera.

Officers have set up dozens of bait traps in the area around the zoo, along with a funnel trap - in a bid to flush her into it.

But as a last resort trained marksmen are on hand with dart guns to shoot and sedate the cat dubbed the Beast of Borth.

Tracy bought the £625,000 zoo with husband Dean, 48, just a year ago.

Dyfed-Powys Police say the lynx could become aggressive if it is cornered and are urging the public to be vigilant.

Dean and Tracy left their house in Kent to start a new life 300 miles away to share a home with 300 animals.

The parents, along with daughters Paige, eight, Sarah, nine, and 13-year-old Sophie, also have snakes, lions and crocodiles.