* It is currently a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois for private individuals to possess a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf or coyote.
Among other things, Rep. Dan Didech’s House Bill 4446 would add servals, caracals, kangaroos, wallabies, “or any hybrid, intergrade, cross thereof” to that list.
The bill passed the House, but never moved in the Senate.
* NBC 5…
Police in suburban Hoffman Estates are asking the public for help in locating a caracal that has been spotted within the village in recent days.
According to authorities, the large cat has been seen in the area of Della Drive and the Hilldale Golf Course.
It is unknown at this time where the animal came from. Caracals are native to Africa and Asia and typically are not seen in the United States, according to the San Diego Zoo, though some individuals keep them as pets.
If residents encounter the animal, they are encouraged to call police immediately.
* The animal, which is an endangered species, was caught today…
The Hoffman Estates Police Department said officers assisted with the capture of the cat, which was then “taken into custody.”
“The cat was hiding under a resident’s deck and is unharmed,” the update, posted to Facebook said. The update went on to say that employees of The Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat in Sharon, Wisconsin were headed to the scene to pick up the cat, “where we are sure he will have a healthy and happy life far away from Hoffman Estates.”
Video…
* Last year, an exotic cat died after its capture…
Officials say an African serval cat who escaped and began roaming Vernon Hills for three hours Saturday has died after it was injured during its capture.
* And a few years ago, a caracal attacked two people in Bloomington…
A woman and her child are reportedly in the hospital Sunday morning after being attacked by an exotic cat. […]
Residents said the large cat was walking down the sidewalk when it attacked the child. The child’s mother intervened and was able to distract the animal. A police sergeant on the scene says the cat is a Caracal.
Residents tell us the caracal, which is similar to a lynx, escaped from a nearby home. Police located the owner and issued multiple ordinance violations.
Officials on the scene say the animal lunged at animal control and police, who put the cat down with a single shot.
As noted above, it’s already illegal to possess a lynx.
- Cabo the Jungle Cat - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 1:50 pm:
Wannabes
- Da big bad wolf - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 2:19 pm:
Nobody was missing their kitty?
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 2:40 pm:
“It is currently a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois for private individuals to possess a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf or coyote.”
“Ha ha‼ Once again, I’ve stayed a step ahead of those pesky lawmakers,” said the libertarian shortly before being mauled to death by his liger.
– MrJM
- Peoples Republic of Oak Park - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 2:57 pm:
So this sent me down a feline taxonomy rabbit hole.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 3:08 pm:
And?
- Mayo Sandwich - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 4:19 pm:
=== . . . said the libertarian shortly before being mauled to death by his liger.===
Always a possibility since these are large powerful predators which haven’t been bread for docility.
More likely is the expense and drudgery of taking care of an exotic animal once the glamour has worn off. Who cuts the cat’s nails? Changes the litter box? Where do you find a vet that can provide care? How do you pay for all the meat?
Still, letting your best friend “escape” to get hit by a car or killed by a cop is a jerk move.
- Crow930 - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 4:27 pm:
Did Goebbert’s farm have this in their animal exhibit???
They aren’t far away from where they found him
- We've never had one before - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 8:05 pm:
I have a feral cat.
Once upon time I figured out a safe manner of betrayal and had her spayed.
No one complains and only a very few know that she’s feral. I can’t hold or touch her, only feed and provide shelter for her.
I’ve known people with real ocelots and bobcats, no thanks.
- Annon3 - Tuesday, Oct 15, 24 @ 8:38 pm:
Does your homeowners cover you when your illegal pet mauls your neighbors?