WATCH: Wild Cat-At-Large Spotted In Central Islip

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — A Central Islip resident said they spotted a wild cat early Tuesday morning, which was later spotted in West Islip. to Suffolk County

Bryant Louis Oliviera said he was out Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) cats outside his apartment building on 67 Adams Road at about 3:38 a.m, when he heard what he thought was "cats fighting."

To his surprise, a wild cat had appeared in the parking lot.

"It was making a screaming-like sound," he told Patch.

Oliviera fled the parking lot before the animal escaped, he said.

Later that morning, it was spotted outside a residence in West Islip, police said.

John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and president of Humane Long Island, told Patch that the animal is most likely a bobcat or a Siberian Lynx.

While it is unsure where the animal came from, Di Leonardo said it was most likely someone's pet. "Having an exotic animal is against the law in the Town of Islip, he said. "Whoever had that animal was harboring them illegally," he said.

From seeing eye-witness pictures, the animal looks emaciated, Di Leonardo said, and is in need of professional help.

If anyone sees the animal they are asked to call 911 or the non-emergency police number, 631-852-COPS. Then, follow up with Humane Long Island at 516-592-3722, Di Leonardo said.