Milwaukee police field new calls about a "large, wild cat" in the city

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police say they are fielding new calls about a large, wild cat at large on the city's north side.

Officials are once again asking the public to not unnecessarily put anyone in harm’s way. If someone sees an animal they believe to be a lion or other large, wild cat, they should immediately move to a position of safety (in a home, in a car, etc.).

Milwaukee police are working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) to locate the animal in the coming days.

Officials say while they recognize the call from many in the community to capture the animal unharmed, it is the consensus opinion of several wildlife experts that attempting to capture a wild predator in an urban environment may be too dangerous and impractical. If the animal is located, a tactical decision will be made as to what response is most consistent with public safety. Again, based on the advice of experts, this may include taking the animal’s life.