A sighting of an unidentified large cat near the University of Hawaii at Manoa has prompted a widespread search across Oahu, with wildlife officials and residents on alert. The creature, described as “lion-like with a tawny coat,” was spotted twice this week near the campus’s botanical gardens by separate witnesses.
“At first, I thought it was a stray dog, but the size and tail—definitely not a domestic animal,” said biology student Maya Tanaka, who captured a blurry video of the creature on Monday. “It moved like a big cat, low to the ground, really stealthy.”
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has launched an investigation, noting the animal could be a escaped exotic pet or a wild species not native to the islands. “Given Hawaii’s unique ecosystem, any non-native predator poses a significant threat to local wildlife,” said DLNR spokesperson David Smith. Traps and motion-activated cameras have been set up around the campus and nearby Manoa Valley.
Speculation has swirled online, with some suggesting the cat could be a cougar or a liger, though experts emphasize such animals are extremely rare in captivity. Local veterinarian Dr. James Kim warned: “If it’s a big cat, it could prey on native birds or even small pets. Residents should keep an eye on children and animals when outdoors.”
The search comes amid growing concerns about exotic animal smuggling in Hawaii. In 2023, authorities seized three escaped ring-tailed lemurs on Maui, highlighting vulnerabilities in wildlife regulation. The DLNR has urged anyone with information to call their 24-hour hotline at (808) 587-0100.
“While we hope it’s a harmless escapee, we can’t take chances,” Smith added. “Islandwide cooperation is key to resolving this mystery safely.”
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