A caracal cat in the wild in South Africa. (StuPorts / iStock)
An exotic, wild caracal cat that's been on the loose for the past few days in Hoffman Estates has been captured, the Hoffman Estates Police Department has announced.
“The cat was hiding under a resident’s deck and is unharmed,” the police department said.
The caracal has since been taken to the Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat, located in Sharon, Wisc., where staff have named him Kabokey.
The sanctuary specializes in rescuing and caring for abused, abandoned, injured and retired exotic animals.
“We are sure he will have a healthy and happy life far away from Hoffman Estates,” police said.
Prior to the capture, officials had warned residents to give the animal wide berth if they came across it.
The cat had been spotted near the Hilldale Golf Course, among other sightings.
It’s unclear where the animal came from — it’s native to arid areas of Africa, the Middle East and India.
“If anyone know the whereabouts or owner of this animal, please call 911,” police said, while also warning, “We ask that you do not attempt to feed this animal.”
The caracal seen loose in Hoffman Estates. (Hoffman Estates Police Department)
Caracel’s are the heaviest and fastest of the “small” cats, which also include servals, ocelots and bobcats. They can weight up to 44 pounds and are known for their leaping ability, capable of nabbing birds in flight.
Though the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act was enacted in late 2022 to end the private ownership of big cats such as lions and tigers as pets, it doesn’t apply to small cats like the caracal.
It’s legal to own one, with a permit, in Indiana. A bill is currently pending in the Illinois state legislature that would make it illegal to keep a caracal as a pet.
Caracals are tempting to keep as a pet owing to their reputation as one of the most beautiful wild cats, with sleek, streamlined bodies and dramatic ear tufts.
They are, however, fierce hunters capable of bringing down much larger mammals, with powerful jaws and sharp teeth and claws.
This article has been updated.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
