A large exotic cat, identified as a caracal, was discovered hiding beneath a resident’s deck in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, after it was spotted roaming near a local golf club. The Hoffman Estates Police Department reported receiving multiple calls over the past few days regarding the presence of this large feline in the vicinity of Della Drive and the Hilldale Golf Course.
Caracals are native to parts of Africa and Asia and are known for their distinctive features, including long tufted ears, short tails, and impressive canine teeth. Following several days of searches, authorities successfully located and secured the caracal.
According to police, “The cat was hiding under a resident’s deck and is unharmed.” The Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat in Sharon, Wisconsin, has been contacted to pick up the caracal, where it is expected to thrive in a suitable environment away from Hoffman Estates.
The origins of this caracal remain unclear, including how it escaped or if it had an owner. Caracals are considered an endangered species and are protected internationally. Local and federal agencies are cooperating to ensure the animal’s proper relocation.
“The goal of the Hoffman Estates Police Department is to safely relocate the animal to a zoo or wildlife facility that can properly care for it,” authorities stated. “As always, our first priority is the safety of the residents of Hoffman Estates and the community.”
Caracals inhabit a range of environments across Africa, the Middle East, and India, and they are well-adapted to survive in various harsh landscapes, including savannas, semi-deserts, and dry woodlands, as noted by the San Diego Zoo. Adult female caracals typically weigh between 13 and 35 pounds, while males can range from 18 to 44 pounds.
These nocturnal hunters have a varied diet, preying on animals such as mongooses, rodents, hyraxes, and even larger mammals like impalas and young kudus. The investigation into the origins of this particular caracal is ongoing.
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