80 Pound Kitty Cat On The Loose - Clay County
ISP Helicopter Working on Talkgroup HMA-1 In Clay County this evening to find escaped 80-pound kitty cat (cougar).
No luck tonight, although lots of deer and livestock spotted with infrared camera.
Depending on weather, search resumes tomorrow night.
Here's the background story....
80-pound cougar escapes
Owner of Exotic Feline Rescue Center calls it his ‘worst nightmare’
By Laura Followell of The Tribune-Star
An 80-pound cougar scaled a 14-foot fence Friday in Clay County and escaped from its cage. Indiana conservation officers and Clay County Sheriff’s Department were unsuccessful in search efforts Sunday. The female cougar had been living at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point on Ashboro Road, where owner Joe Taft said his worst fear had come true.
“We’re not sure what happened,” Taft said. “This is a wild cougar; this is not someone’s pet.” Taft said he believes the animal won’t approach people and that it may still be on the rescue center’s property.
Fresh tracks were discovered Sunday and the remains of a recently eaten raccoon were found and believed to be the work of the cougar, Taft said. “It was in a cage that was away from people,” Taft added. “That’s the saving grace in this matter.”
The 7-year-old animal arrived at the center more than six years ago after its mother was killed by poachers, he said. The rescue center is caring for 197 cats on 108 acres of land with 30 acres of enclosures. The cougar was housed in a specially constructed cage with a recurve at the top.
“It’s absolutely amazing that she was able to escape,” Taft said. “Donner [the cougar] lived in this cage for six years. Something obviously had to stress her very much. “This is more than a little stressful,” Taft said, “this is my absolute worst nightmare.”
Indiana Conservation Officer Max Winchell stated, “Although it is illegal to kill a protected exotic animal, … a citizen has the right to protect themselves and their property if they feel they may be in danger. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable with my children in the yards,” Winchell said. “Be on the lookout for it — use common sense.” Winchell urges anyone who sees the cougar to call local law enforcement.
