Dear P,

Unfortunately, OH does not regulate the private possession of big cats as pets and a lot of people just turn them loose when they can't handle them any more.  Several big cats have been shot who were later discovered to be declawed and defanged.  More often than not though, the state will claim the cat was wild and migrated there, rather than deal with their negligence in passing laws to ban the private possession of these predators.

Catching a cougar is almost impossible.  It takes tranquilizers 20 minutes to take effect and the cat is long gone by the time he passes out.  I don't have a reliable organization in the area to call on, but will broadcast your message to our supporters in the hopes that they can call on those they may know who could help.

The most important thing you can do is get better laws passed in OH so the

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For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

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Subject: URGENT COUGAR IN DANGER

 

Hi,  I didnt know who else to write, tried animal planet but no contact info. Anyway, I live in Ohio, I read this morning there was a Cougar spotted in Lima, it was confirmed by tracks. I know this cat will end up getting shot, this is not a area that they live in usually. Please tell me who I can contact to maybe trap and relocate this animal before it happens. P Weaver 937-687-5002  You can see the story

Residents say they've seen big cat prowling near Lima

LIMA, Ohio — Sightings of a big cat in northwest Ohio have some families on edge.

Authorities south of Lima haven't confirmed any of the reports that began to circulate a few weeks ago.

Some people say they think it was a panther.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources trapper Craig Shafer says he's pretty sure there's a large cat out there based on the footprints he's seen.

Gary Guagenti says he spotted the big cat trotting across a field near his home in Shawnee Township. He says he's keeping his kids inside to be safe.

The latest sighting came into police Friday morning when someone said they saw a big cat chasing a deer.

Police looked but didn't find anything.

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Information from: The Lima News, http://www.limanews.com

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June 6, 2008 – 11:37 a.m.