PET BOBCAT ON THE LOOSE IN EAST KNOX
A Knoxville woman's pet bobcat escaped from her home in East Knoxville on Monday. Police and wildlife authorities are assisting in the search for the animal, but with no luck thus far.
The bobcat's owner, LaTonya Harrison, says he escaped through the kitchen window of her home, near Skyline Drive. This is the third time she has asked authorities to help her find the exotic pet she calls "Brambles."
"I thought it would be pretty neat to own one," says Harrison. "As I'm finding out, he's getting me into a lot of trouble."
The two year-old bobcat looks like a large gray tabby cat with a short tail and spots, rather than stripes. He is not declawed and does still have his canine teeth. Still, Harrison insists he poses no danger to anyone.
"He is harmless. He's more than likely to run from people than hurt anyone, so don't shoot him," explains Harrison. "You don't have to worry about him attacking your dog or your children or anything like that."
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, you can find wild bobcats on wooded ridges in and around Knoxville.
"There are bobcats (in the area), wild ones, and this is a tame one," says TWRA officer, Joe Durrin. "This is one that's used to people, used to being fed, so it's certainly less of an aggression threat."
Although Harrison does hold the appropriate TWRA permit to own the bobcat, police who are familiar with the case hope that a judge takes the big cat away from her when and if he's recaptured.
Harrison, who is being charged with several violations, says she won't put up a fight.
"After I pay all these fines, I'm pretty convinced he needs to go to a sanctuary now," says Harrison. "I would like to keep him but I don't think that's going to happen."
Authorities warn that if you come across the bobcat, you should not corner him, and you should call the police immediately.