Authorities in Greenwich are on the lookout for what appears to be a mountain lion on the loose.
The large cat has been spotted several times in the King Street area over the past few days, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. Pictures of the animal, and paw prints left behind have led experts to believe it is a mountain lion roaming through town, the DEP said.
"Although there is no population of mountain lions in the Northeast, we believe this animal may very likely be a mountain lion that has been held in captivity and either escaped or was released," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette.
The eastern mountain lion was declared extinct earlier this year. The closest confirmed mountain lion sighting is in Missouri, according to the DEP.
Anyone who sees the cat should stay away from it and call police, or the DEP 24-hour emergency hotline at 860-423-3333.
