Police searching for stray cheetah in the Kootenays

CRAWFORD BAY, B.C. — “Does anyone know someone who owns a cheetah?”

That’s the question Creston RCMP has been asking since one was spotted on Highway 3A by a driver yesterday afternoon, near the town of Crawford Bay and Kootenay Bay.

Upon receiving a report of the big cat, RCMP immediately consulted with the British Columbia Conservation Services, and both agencies have been working together since the sighting in attempts to find the cheetah.

“BC Conservation Services advises that a cheetah is typically shy and less aggressive then other members of the Felidae Pantherineae (large cat) family,” Cpl. Dan Moskaluk stated.

“Regardless of it having a collar on, it should be considered and respected as a wild animal. Public safety along with the animal’s welfare are paramount at this time.”

RCMP noted that the cheetah was wearing an orange collar.