Conservation officers say search called off for missing cheetah on East Shore
By Nelson Daily Staff
Conservation officers said the search for the missing cheetah last seen roaming along Highway 3AThursday afternoon (December 17) near Crawford Bay and Kootenay Bay has been called off.
Conservation Officer Insp. Joe Caravetta said there have been no sightings of the stray animal since the cat was spotted last week.
However, Caravetta said Conservation officials have spoken to a person of interest since the RCMP released a statement warning the public of the wandering cheetah.
RCMP issued a media release last Thursday evening after the cheetah was seen wandering roadside by a motorist on Highway 3A near Kootenay Bay.
The witness was able to photograph the animal and reported the incident to the Creston RCMP. It was observed to be wearing an orange cloth collar.
Conservation officials say there is no immediate danger to the public.
B.C.’s provincial veterinarian reports it would be difficult for cheetahs to survive any length of time in cold weather without finding heat and food.
The RCMP say until the animal is located people are asked to be vigilant while outdoors, especially with their small children and animals.
If the cheetah was captured, the Calgary Zoo said it would take the annimal.
RCMP looking for owner of cheetah seen wandering roadside Highway 3A near Kootenay Bay
An adult cheetah roaming around in Crawford Bay?
Honest.
The Creston RCMP issued a media release Thursday asking residents in the area of Crawford Bay and Kootenay Bay, to be aware of the presence of an adult cheetah that was spotted along Highway 3A on Thursday afternoon (December 17).
Creston RCMP received a report at approximately 4:30 p.m. of a cheetah sighting near the community of Crawford Bay.
RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a release the cheetah was seen wandering roadside by a motorist on Highway 3A near Kootenay Bay.
The witness was able to photograph the animal and reported the incident to the Creston RCMP. It was observed to be wearing an orange cloth collar.
Area residents in the Crawford Bay and Kootenay Bay area, along with staff of the Crawford Bay School have been notified by the RCMP. Until the animal is located people are asked to be vigilant while outdoors, especially with their small children and animals,” Moskaluk said.
“BC Conservation Services advises that a cheetah is typically shy and less aggressive then other members of the Felidae Pantherineae (large cat) family. Regardless of it having a collar on, it should be considered and respected as a wild animal.
“Public safety along with the animal’s welfare are paramount at this time.”
The Creston RCMP immediately consulted with the British Columbia Conservation Services, both agencies have been working together since the sighting in attempts to safely locate the animal.
Authorities would also like to speak to the big cat’s custodian.
If anyone should observe the animal, authorities ask that it not be approached and to immediately call 911 or the Controlled Alien Species Unit of the British Columbia Conservation Service at (877)952-7277 to report the sighting.
Anyone with information on the animal and/or its owner are asked to contact the Controlled Alien Species Unit of the British Columbia Conservation Service at (877)952-7277 or Crimestoppers.
Further media inquiries can be directed to the British Columbia Conservation Service at (250)423-2302.
