DISTRICT TWP., BERKS COUNTY, Pa. — Two African wildcats that escaped from Cricket Wildlife Center last week after a storm damaged their enclosure have returned to their home.
The wildlife center still is searching for the last of the cats — African servals — which center owner Melissa Descant said she knows is close by.
In a Facebook post, the center announced one of the cats was "back and safe" as of Saturday afternoon.
"She's close. Last night she was by one of the houses down the road, but she got spooked."Crickett Wildlife Center owner Melissa Descant
"The other two have been spotted numerous times and seem to be staying close," the post reads. It said they were "in the triangle" between Huffs Church Road, Bitting Road and Delong Road.
Saturday night, Cricket Wildlife Center then announced, "the second cat is home safe!!!"
On Monday afternoon, Descant told LehighValleyNews.com that the last cat, a female, appears to be living between Bitting Road and Treichler Road.
"It's the road that touches the back of the property, so she's close," Descant said. "Last night she was by one of the houses down the road, but she got spooked."
'Just give us a call'
The wildlife center thanked residents who have called in sightings and local organizations, including Mighty Paws Humane Society, for helping repair the damage from last Wednesday's storm that brought wind gusts up to 47 mph.
The original Facebook post announcing the wild cats escaped was shared more than 1,500 times, with more than 200 comments offering support.
"It's been really great having [the community] when we need it. We couldn't have done it without them so far."Crickett Wildlife Center owner Melissa Descant
"It's been really great having [the community] when we need it," Descant said. "We couldn't have done it without them so far."
Anyone who sees the remaining wild cat should call the wildlife center at 717-381-9893.
Descant described the animals as "long-legged and "lanky," and compared them to "very large house cats." They're known for their leopard-like coat prints, and Descant said they weigh about 20 pounds.
While the male serval, which was among the two returned to the wildlife center, is "very sweet" and would "probably have no problem walking up to people to be loved," the last escaped serval is shy and likely to run and hide, she said.
"I just want people to know they're not a threat to their pets or children," Descant previously said. If you see them, she said, "Just give us a call."
