(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The search for a serval – a sleek, spotted cat native to Africa – continues in the central Illinois city of Decatur, several days after owners of the exotic beast reported it missing to authorities.
“It’s probably not a threat to humans, but I wouldn’t pet it or pick it up,” Ken Frye, director of the Scovill Zoo, told WCIA-TV this week. “They do have pretty nice, half-inch teeth and claws. It’s just like a housecat on steroids. It’s not a good thing to have mad at you.”
Macon County Animal Control officials posted online about the wildcat and discourages anyone from trying to wrangle it. Rather, anyone who sees the serval should call (217) 425-4508, extension 4.
Servals can grow to be as heavy as 40 pounds and up to 24 inches tall at their shoulders.
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