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Caracal on the Loose in Chicago Suburb

Incident Date:
10/15/2024
Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Small Cats
Animal:
Caracal
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

Chicago, IL – A rare, endangered exotic cat was captured after being reported on the loose in the north suburbs. Hoffman Estates police captured the caracal at a home after several days prowling the neighborhood near Hilldale Golf Club.

Officers surrounded a resident’s home just after 8 a.m. Tuesday after one of her neighbors spotted the feline on her back patio and called the police. The cat retreated under the deck as police closed in; officers eventually used a tranquilizer rifle to sedate the animal and then cage them. Luckily, the caracal was not harmed, police said.

It took nearly a dozen officers more than two hours to finally corner the feline. Now, the cat is headed to the Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat in Sharon, Wisconsin.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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