Man In Milwaukee Shoots Dog After Mistaking It For Reported Lion

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A man who thought he spotted a lion that people have reported seeing wandering on Milwaukee's north side, has shot and injured a large pit bull.

Police say the dog, which was shot Tuesday night, is being cared for at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission.

The organization's director Karen Sparapani says people might be "amped up or afraid" by the reports of lion sightings. The pit bull suffered a gunshot wound to the right front leg.

Officers say the man who shot the dog has not been identified.

Milwaukee police say they have investigated about two dozen calls of apparent lion sightings. No animal has been found. Police Chief Edward Flynn has said his officers were given cellphone video of an animal that appeared to be a "lion-ish creature."