MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Zookeepers in northern Indiana are on the lookout for a baby bobcat that escaped her enclosure Wednesday morning.
"Grace," a 9-month-old bobcat, came to the Washington Park Zoo with her sister, "Hazel," in December. Staff realized May 29 that Hazel was alone in the bobcats' enclosure and began their search for Grace.
Hazel was placed in another building for safety until zookeepers could determine how Grace got out.
Washington Park Zoo Director Jamie Huss said there is no need for the public to be alarmed.
“Like coyotes and foxes, bobcats are native to this area,” Huss said in a Facebook post by Michigan City officials. “Due to her age and size, Grace will likely not be a threat to humans or most animals as long as she is left alone. Bobcats are quiet, secretive and active from dusk to night; and as with all wildlife, the natural response of a bobcat is to move away from humans.”
Huss said the baby bobcat is about the size of a large house cat and that her prey will range in size from chipmunks to rabbits.
Staff has set out trail cameras and live traps in hopes of spotting Grace and capturing her.
Anyone who spots Grace is asked to call the Michigan City Police Department's non-emergency number at 219-874-3221.
Michigan City Animal Control and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are also assisting with the search for the bobcat. Officials said calls were being directed to the police department since that number is monitored 24 hours a day.