The New York State Environmental Protection Department (Dec) is investigating a virus video showing what seems to be a big wild cat wandering in Rochester in New York, and many surprised many in the neighborhood this week.
Here’s the latest, or a big cat is really free in the city – and what the authorities do.
Can a mountain lion really be in Rochester?
According to Dec officials, according to the video of the Doobell camera and the measurements made on Thursday at the scene, the animal can be a puma (also known as a mountain lion) – if The footage was not changed.
“If this is actually a puma, given the location within the city, it is probably not a wild cat that has arrived in the region independently, and a cat that used to be captive, perhaps as an illegal pet,” Dec officials said Thursday.
How do Dec investigate wildlife observations?
Dec only investigates reports containing physical evidence such as tracks, manure (SCAT), fur or photos. In the absence of such evidence, the report is provided, but cannot be verified.
What do we know about Rochester’s observation
Around 4 p.m., on Wednesday, July 9, the ring security camera captured a large animal passing through the yard near the East Main Street and Culver Road. The video shared by a resident Stephany Baez quickly became viral – Facebook with more than 250,000 views and 1,100 shares in a few hours.
“It doesn’t look like a normal cat,” Baez wrote in his post. “This is something terrible and I don’t want someone to hurt.”
Dec officials visited a place on Thursday, July 10, and made measurements and photos that show that the animal could be a big cat. However, the search for the surrounding neighborhood did not appear any tracks, scandals, fur or other physical clues.
Many observations have been reported but not confirmed
After the video was launched, the Rochester police received a few 911 calls reporting similar observations throughout the city, says lieutenant Anthony Delvecchio. However, no additional images or physical evidence has been found so far.
“None of these reports were justified,” said Delvecchio. “Until the validity of the original video is confirmed, the RPD calls the public to remain vigilant. If someone is watching a large wild animal, they are advised to go out immediately indoors and call 911.”
Mountain Lions in New York: What does Dec say?
According to Dec, there is No local, independent mountain lions populations (also known as Cougars or East Cougars) In New York. They once wandered around the state, especially the Adirondacks, but were destroyed in the early 1900s due to the loss of habitats, hunting and food.
In recent decades, the most commonly seen random observations are usually:
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Captive animals that escaped or have been released
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False Identity (Bobcats, Kojt, Large Homemade Cats or even Deer)
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One confirmed a wild puma passing from the south Dakota over 1800 miles of migration
How to recognize Puma
According to Dec, the adult puma is:
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Up to 8 feet long (nose to tail)
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About 3 feet tall at the shoulder
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On average about £ 140
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Brownish red to light brown fur
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The lower part of the creamy white
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Black markings on the tail, ears and tail end
You think you’ve seen the Puma? Here’s what to do
Dec only investigates if there is physical evidence or confirmed prison for the animal escape. If you think you have noticed a mountain lion:
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Look for signs: tracks, scandal or fur
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Take a picture the animal and any physical evidence – Only if it is safe to do this
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Keep a distance: Slowly retreat and act like any dangerous wild animal or unknown dog
Immediately announce the observation of law enforcement or Dec officials.
How to report Dec’s observation
If you think you’ve seen a Puma in Western New York:
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On days of the week: Contact with Dec Regional Wildlife Bureau (585) 226-5380 or email By mail [email protected]
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After work or weekends: Call the dec Environmental Protection Officer Shipment 844-332-3267
This article initially appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Video can show captive mountain lion “in Rochester NY, says Dec