Woman asking for help capturing pet African serval on the loose in Ahwatukee

AHWATUKEE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — The search is on for an unique cat roaming free in an Ahwatukee Foothills neighborhood. Some residents say there’s a Fb neighborhood group the place folks speculate it’s a bobcat, however Arizona’s Household confirmed it’s not. The cat is an African Serval and belongs to a girl visiting household in Arizona. Nevertheless, the animal escaped final week close to fortieth Road and Chandler Boulevard.

“It looks like a baby operating away. It actually like I misplaced a baby proper now. Realizing that there’s coyotes round right here. I’m actually scared,” mentioned Crystal Barroga, the cat’s proprietor.

Barroga, who’s visiting the state from Nevada, says she introduced her cat, 3-year-old Bagheera. Nevertheless, Barroga says her pet isn’t used to the atmosphere, so she escaped from a window final week. “I assume she heard a chook and he or she tried grabbing it or getting it. She made a gap, and that’s how she received out,” mentioned Barroga.

Bagheera has been noticed just a few instances, and one neighbor even captured her on video. It exhibits Bagheera going towards the door and smelling round it earlier than leaving.

Neighbors we spoke to mentioned they don’t see Bagheera as harmful. “I feel until we see in any other case, I say we deal with it like a pet. Hopefully, they discover it quickly,” mentioned neighbor Jesse Boyle.

Underneath the Arizona code for Sport and Fish, alligators, crocodiles, bears, giant primates, and massive cats are just a few unlawful animals to personal and not using a correct license or allow. Nevertheless, officers say they checked out Barroga’s case and mentioned Bagheera is authorized to have as a pet. Barroga says her cat is vaccinated, chipped and declawed.

“She’s innocent. She’s not going to eat your cats or struggle your canine. She’s very loving, however she does hiss and tries to look aggressive when you come to her,” mentioned Barroga.

Barroga is asking neighbors to assist her reunite together with her beloved cat to allow them to go house collectively. “When you guys do see her, don’t shoot her. Don’t do something to harm her. I’m begging you as a result of she’s like my youngster,” mentioned Barroga.

If in case you have any details about Bagheera’s whereabouts, you’ll be able to name Barroga at 623-203-4956 or 602-999-2027.

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