Missing cougar may never be found, say Indiana officials

UPDATED: 10:02 am EST January 29, 2007

CENTER POINT, Ind. — The search for a cougar that got away from a rescue center three weeks ago continues, but officials say it is becoming more likely that the animal will never be found.

Donner, a 75-pound female cougar, scaled a 14-foot fence to escape from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point, about 50 miles west of Indianapolis.

The center’s director, Joe Taft, was initially certain that the animal would be found. Crews left food and traps in the area of the center in hopes that Donner would be snared.

Crews found new tracks in the snow last week, but the most recent attempts to find the animal have been unsuccessful, and food put out recently has gone uneaten.

Taft said he planned to go out again on Monday to check for tracks and put out fresh food. He said the animal likely has the ability to hunt on its own and would eat things like rodents, squirrels and turkeys.

Taft said that despite rumors, no other animals have escaped from the center.

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