Search for Alleged Cheetah in Youngsville Area

Posted: Oct 21, 2010 9:23 AM by Kate Mundy
Updated: Oct 21, 2010 10:40 AM

Law enforcement and paramedics are called after a Youngsville Police officer spots a wild cat on the loose in a neighborhood off Highway 90 in Lafayette Parish. Some assume it's a cheetah. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office has contacted Wildlife and Fisheries.

Officals are searching the neighborhood near 4th Street in the Youngsville area. KATC contacted the Zoo of Acadiana. Spokesperson Leigh Coletti said all their large cats are accounted for. They do not have cheetahs, but they do have a leopard and serval cats.

Zoo owners Matthew and George Olbenburg are at the scene to help identify the animal if they can find it.

No word yet if this spotted large cat is actually a wild bob cat, a serval cat or cheetah. KATC will keep you posted.

Topics: serval, cat, cheetah, us90, lafayette, broussard, youngsville, sheriff, police, zoo, acadiana