Police In Ocean County, N.J. Search For Pet Bobcat On The Loose

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A pet bobcat on the loose has some Ocean County residents on edge.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, it's not the average cat stuck in a tree job for Stafford Township police.

"It's a hybrid bobcat," Capt. Thomas Dellane told Smith.

The animal, named Rocky, got loose from the owner's home on March 25. The owner has said the big cat is domesticated.

"We have our animal control officers placing traps out in the area trying to get it back but since this point, we haven't had any contact with it or any sightings since that time," said Dellane.

The owner did have a license to own the bobcat and said Rocky is declawed and harmless.

Still, Dellane said some neighbors are concerned with the 38-pound cat still on the loose.

"Our recommendation at this point would be to stay away from the bobcat if it's sighted and to contact police immediately," the captain told Smith.

It's not the first time this has happened, Smith reported.

"Well at least two times. It's escaped at least twice," said Dellane.

The owner went to court for the same this in the fall and is facing another summons.

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