The State Department of Environmental Protection in New York (DEC) is investigating after a viral video showing what seems to be a big wild cat, which Roeling in Rochester, New York, and surprised many this week.
Here is the most big cat is actually loosened in the city – and what the authorities do for it.
Can a mountain lion really be in Rochester?
According to DEC officials based on the video on the door camera and measurements made on the spot on Thursday, the animal can be a cougar (also known as a mountain lion) – if The shots have not changed.
“If this is actually a cougar, given the location within the city boundaries, it is most likely not a wild cat who has arrived in the region, but rather a cat that was previously captive, probably as an illegal home -made lover,” DEC officials said on Thursday.
How does DEC explore wildlife observations?
DEC investigates only reports that include physical evidence such as songs, discard (SCAT), fur or photos. If there is no such evidence, the report has been submitted but cannot be verified.
What do we know about the monitoring of rochester
Around 4 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, July 9, a ring guard camera caught a large animal passing through a yard near East Main Street and Culver Road. The video shared by Stephanie Baez’s resident quickly became viral – with over 250,000 views and 1100 Facebook shares within hours.
“It doesn’t look like a normal cat,” Baez wrote in his publication. “It’s something scary and I don’t want anyone to hurt.”
DEC employees visited the location on Thursday, July 10, and took measurements and photos that suggest that the animal could be a large cat. However, the search of the surrounding neighborhood did not turn out songs, spots, fur or other physical clues.
Reported numerous observations – but unconfirmed
Following the video, police in Rochester received several 911 calls reporting similar observations throughout the city, according to Lieutenant Anthony Delvekio. But no additional images or physical evidence have been found so far.
“None of these reports are justified,” Delvekio said. “Until the validity of the original video cannot be confirmed, the RPD calls on the public to remain vigilant. If someone is watching a large wild animal, it is advised to go immediately indoors and call 911.”
Mountain Lions in New York: What does Dec say?
According to DEC there is There is no local, self -sustaining population of mountain lions (also called Cugari or Eastern Cugari) in New York. Once they traveled the state – especially Adirondax – but have been erased since the beginning of 1900 due to habitat loss, hunting and food shortages.
Sometimes observations in recent decades are usually included:
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Animals in captivity that have escaped or have been released
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Wrong identity (bobcats, coyoti, large domestic cats or even deer)
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One confirmed Wild Cougar that went through South Dakota during migration of 1800 miles
How to identify a cougar
According to DEC, adult cougaries are:
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Up to 8 feet long (nose to tail)
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About 3 feet high in the shoulder
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An average of about 140 pounds
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Brown-red to light brown coat
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Creamy white
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Black markings on top of the tail, ears and the base of the mustache
Do you think you’ve seen a cougar? Here’s what to do
DEC will only investigate if there is physical evidence or a confirmed escape of a captive animal. If you think you have noticed a mountain lion:
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Look for signs: songs, slope or coat
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Take pictures of the animal and any physical evidence – Only if it is safe for this
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Keep your distance: Back off slowly and treat it like any dangerous wild animal or unknown dog
Report immediately observations to law enforcement authorities or DEC.
How to report DEC monitoring
If you think you’ve seen a cougar in West New York:
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Daily days: Contact the DEC regional office of the wildlife of (585) 226-5380 or email r8wildlife@dec.ny.gov
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After hours or weekends: Call the sending to the Environmental Protection Officer of DEC of 844-332-3267
This article originally appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Video can show the captive mountain lion free in Rochester New York, says DEC DEC