Wild Cat, Possible Bobcat, Sighted On Long Island

WEST ISLIP, NY — A wild cat was sighted in West Islip on Tuesday morning, Suffolk County Police confirmed with Patch.

Officers received a report about the animal at 10:40 a.m., in the area of Boulevard Avenue, police said.

Police said they responded to the area and the animal was not located.

John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and president of Humane Long Island, told Patch that while it is unsure where the animal came from, 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.

A picture of the animal was shared on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon. It is unsure what kind of cat it is, Di Leonardo said, but possibly could be a bobcat. Carole Baskin, of Big Cat Rescue, commented on the post, noting that it could be a Siberian Lynx.

"Based on the body condition of that animal they look emaciated," Di Leonardo said."So that animal definitely needs 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.