THE TAKEAWAY
MADISON COUNTY, Indiana – A Lion in Detroit or Cub in Chicago may not raise eyebrows, but a central Indiana resident’s report of a lioness and cub on the loose put first responders on the prowl for two big cats.
Authorities spent four hours searching central Indiana after a local resident allegedly spotted two exotic felines on the loose, but found no trace of the reported big cats.
On Thursday, the Madison County Sheriff's Department responded to reports that a local resident observed what appeared to be a 300-pound lioness with a blue collar and a smaller cub estimated at 100 to 150 pounds, before losing visual contact with the alleged exotic felines.
As a result, deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police spent four hours searching Green Township near the Madison-Hancock county line, about 30 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis.
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After deploying ground units, tracking physical evidence and utilizing thermal-imaging drone technology, the Madison County Sheriff said the report of the two missing felines is unconfirmed "as no law enforcement officials have witnessed anything unusual."
"While law enforcement has concluded the active search, residents in the area are encouraged to remain attentive and report any unusual animal sightings to local authorities immediately," the sheriff said in a press release.
Madison County is a long way from a lion’s natural habitat, so anyone who spots the reported animals should keep a safe distance and contact local authorities immediately.
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