Highland Park Family Spots Big Mystery Cat Near Beech St.

HIGHLAND PARK, IL—A Highland Park family reported seeing "a large feline-type animal" walking by a ravine Sunday morning near Beech Street, according to a village press release.

RELATED: Big Cat Spotted in Highland Park

Police are using a video shot by the family of the mysterious cat critter to try identity the species, the release stated. In the video, "the animal was not aggressive" and appeared to be minding its own business during its Sunday stroll around the ravine, the release added.

But the creature's easygoing nature shouldn't be seen as an invitation for residents to approach any husky, cat-like animal they see and try to make friends.

The village is warning residents to be cautious when outside, especially with their children and pets. If anyone spots "suspicious animals" in the area, they should contact the Highland Park Police Department's non-emergency line at 847-432-7730. Residents are encouraged to take photos or videos of the sightings if possible.

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This is the second big cat sighting of the year in Highland Park. In January, a Hybernia subdivision resident reported seeing a similar feline-like animal in the 2300 block of Ridge Road, between U.S. Route 22 and Park Avenue West.

Unfortunately, no photos or video were taken of the animal at the time, but police did recover paw prints and possible cat, er, scat from the scene for analysis by the state Department of Natural Resources.

PHOTO: Pixabay.com