WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioOfficials still searching for possible mountain lion in Perry Township

Officials still searching for possible mountain lion in Perry Township

PERRY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Is there a lion in the Salem area or not?

That's what local authorities are still trying to determine after several people reported seeing a big cat in Perry Township over the past few days.

The hunt is on for a puma, also called mountain lion, or other type of big cat after several sightings.

The first two sightings were on Depot Road and the third and fourth were on Georgetown, near the Route 45 bypass in Perry Township.

"Monday morning a dispatcher for the sheriff's department was on her way home from work and almost h it out here. With that and speaking with her, it gives a little more credibility that we are probably dealing with a mountain lion at this time," said Chief Mike Emmich, Perry Township Police Department.

Right now officials are looking for large prints without claws since the large cats have retractable claws.

They're also asking residents not to actively look for the big cat, but if they are in the safety of a car or house to take a photo of the lion or puma if they see it so they can get a better idea of what they are actually dealing with.

"At this point they have not received any reports of cats missing from sanctuaries or people who might have animals like this," said Scott Angelo from Ohio Department of Wildlife.

If officials find the animal there is no protocol on how to proceed. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Perry Township police explain that's because Ohio has no laws on the books regulating exotic animals. However, they tell us public safety will be their first priority.

"There is a very, very slim chance that could be a wild mountain lion from a nearby state that has populations of mountain lions. The closest to my knowledge is perhaps Michigan. We don't have any idea, really, who has mountain lions, African lions in their ownership since there is nothing that requires us to regulate that," said Jamey Graham from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and cautious.