Residents of Chicago’s northwest suburbs have been advised to stay alert after an exotic wild cat was spotted in Hoffman Estates.
The cat is believed to be a caracal, an endangered species native to Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
It was first seen last week in a subdivision near Foltz Drive and most recently, the animal was observed near Della Drive and Hilldale Golf Course, raising concerns from local police and animal rights groups.
The Hoffman Estates Police Department issued a community alert on Monday, stressing that the origin of the animal is unknown.
“Over the past few days, the village was made aware of a large cat in the area of Della Dr. and the Hilldale Golf Course,” the police said in a post on Facebook. “The cat has been identified as a caracal; this cat is a native species to Asia and not common to the United States.”
Newsweek contacted the Hoffman Estates Police Department via email for an update on the situation.
The police are currently unsure as to where the animal came from.
“A caracal is an internationally protected endangered species. The village is currently working with local and federal agencies for proper removal.”
Although owning caracals is not currently illegal in Illinois, pending legislation—House Bill 4446—could soon change that.
Police are currently advising locals not to attempt to feed the cat if they come across it and to instead call 911 with information on its whereabouts.
In a news segment on Fox 32, a reporter told viewers on Monday, “This is not your typical housecat. If you see it, do not approach it.”
Jodie Wiederkehr, from the Chicago Alliance for Animals, told reporters the animal may have been a pet purchased on the black market.
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“They likely are stuck inside a home or inside a cage. So they cannot roam. They cannot do anything that comes natural to them,” she said.
“The animal may have been dumped. Who knows how this animal is out running free. But the animal needs to be saved and allowed to go to a sanctuary.”
The police department stated that its goal is safely relocate the animal to a zoo or wildlife facility where it can be cared for properly.
Caracals are medium-sized cats with slender bodies, long legs and tawny-brown to reddish tan colored fur, according to The Big Cat Sanctuary. Their faces are marked with dark lines and white spots around the eyes.
Caracals can weigh anything from 17 to 40 pounds and can reach up to a meter in length. They’re fast, too, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour at full pelt.
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