‘Cougar’ sighting in Vancouver turns out to be escaped house cat
![](https://vancouver.citynews.ca/wp-content/blogs.dir/sites/9/2022/05/18/savannahedit-1024x640.jpg)
Posted May 18, 2022 1:14 pm.
Last Updated May 18, 2022 1:44 pm.
It was a wild morning in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood Wednesday after reports spiraled about a cougar spotted in the urban area, close to several elementary schools.
Vancouver police confirmed they had received reports from concerned residents about a wild animal on the loose near Granville Street and King Edward Avenue around 11 a.m..
It led to major confusion online, with many questioning how a cougar could possibly end up in such a busy traffic and residential neighbourhood.
How did it get so far into the city? Poor thing must be starving. Don’t kill it, take it to a rescue centre.
— Shelleybleu (@shelleybleu) May 18, 2022
However, the cougar concerns were unfounded.
Vancouver police provided an update shortly after, saying the cat was not a cougar, but a savannah cat.
A relieving update: it appears this isn't a cougar but rather an escaped domesticated Savannah cat, which was initially misidentified. Police advised students at nearby schools to shelter in place. That is lifted but staff told to bring kids inside if it's sighted. @CityNewsVAN
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) May 18, 2022
Savannah cats are a cross between a serval, a wild cat native to Africa, and a domesticated cat.
The animal had escaped from a home and police say officers were able to capture it and return it to its owner just after noon.
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The BC Conservation Service says it helped the VPD catch the animal and reunite it with its family. It adds savannah cats are not regulated under B.C.’s Controlled Alien Species regulations.
Savannah Cats are not regulated under Controlled Alien Species regulations.
We appreciate the public calling in tips so it could be safely reunited with its owner. #NeverADullDay pic.twitter.com/a4mKkKxDTi
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) May 18, 2022