Escaped Serval Spotted In Rural Grundy County, Residents Warned Not To Approach

GRUNDY COUNTY, IL — Animal control officers are trying to capture a serval that has been spotted multiple times in Grundy County.

On Friday, officials with Grundy County Animal Control said the serval was spotted in rural Gardner. Officials contacted the animal's owner and are working to trap the animal.

On Monday morning, animal control officials thanked those who had reported sightings, saying the reports "allowed us to narrow down the location that the serval has been staying. We have traps set and cameras in designated locations."

The cat remained on the loose as of early Monday, and authorities repeated their warning not to approach the animal, saying, "It has been spotted on one of our cameras, and we are getting close! Please be patient."

Authorities did not say how or when it got loose.

Residents who encounter the serval should not approach it.

A serval is a wild cat native to Africa, recognizable by its long legs, large ears and spotted coat. The slender cats are considerably larger than typical house cats and are known for their ability to leap high into the air while hunting.

Anyone who spots the animal is asked to text its location to Grundy County Animal Control at 815-351-8495.