Exotic cat on the loose in Chicago suburbs, police urge caution

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL. – Residents of Chicago’s northwest suburbs are being warned to remain vigilant after spotting an exotic cat.

The animal in question, a caracal native to Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, was spotted last week in Hoffman Estates, sparking concern from police and animal rights groups.

The caracal, which can weigh up to 45 pounds and is known for its extreme athleticism, was first spotted in a housing development near Foltz Drive and more recently in the area of ​​Della Drive and Hilldale Golf Course. The Hoffman Estates Police Department issued a notice to the community Monday, saying it is unknown where the animal came from and noting that it is an internationally protected endangered species .

Jodie Wiederkehr of the Chicago Alliance for Animals believes the caracal could be someone’s pet purchased on the black market.

“They’re probably stuck inside a house or in a cage. So they can’t move around. They can’t do anything that’s natural to them,” she said.

Although owning caracals is not illegal in Illinois, House Bill 4446, currently pending in the state legislature, could change that.

Wiederkehr calls for not buying trafficked animals.

“It’s very dangerous,” Wiederkehr said. “The animal may have been abandoned. Who knows how this animal is on the loose. But the animal needs to be rescued and allowed to go to a sanctuary.”

Caracals are known for their ability to jump up to 12 feet to catch prey and can run at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They will consume small to medium sized mammals.

Authorities continue to search for the animal and are asking residents to report any sightings to police.