Big cat said sighted in Paulding County

VW independent/submitted information

BROWN TOWNSHIP — Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers is warning county residents that there could be a large cat, possibly a bobcat or mountain lion, in the county.

The sheriff stated his office has received what he believes to be credible information that a large cat is running loose in Paulding County. Sheriff Landers said a county resident call his office on Tuesday to report seeing a large cat running north of the intersection of County Roads 151 and 108 in east central Brown Township.

“The animal was described as 40-50 pounds, approximately knee high, a long body and the color of a bale of straw,” the sheriff said, noting that the description could be that of a bobcat or mountain lion.  Sheriff Landers added that there have been no reports of livestock killed or property damaged, but cautioned county residents to pay attention while outside, especially when small children are playing outdoors.

The sheriff’s department also received a report several days ago from a resident of the same area stating that he could hear what he believed to be a “cat crying.” The resident said the sound wasn’t that of a normal housecat, in his opinion.

Sheriff Landers said the game warden has also been notified and is involved in investigating the reports and asks that county residents who see something similar to the animal described call the Sheriff’s Office, but cautioned that they not try to take action themselves.

Those with information can call 419.399.3791 or leave information via Facebook by searching Facebook/Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. An anonymous tip can also be left on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.pauldingohsheriff.com by clicking on “send us an anonymous tip” at the bottom of the page, while an email can also be sent to the sheriff from the website.

Although it’s not certain what the animal might be, there have been more than 100 verified sightings of bobcats in the state each of the past four years, with 200 verified sightings in 2013 alone.

Of the sightings, 113 were recognized from photographs or videos, while additional sightings were verified through road kills, animals trapped by mistake and later released and sightings by qualified personnel.

In addition to the verified sightings, there were 226 unverified sightings of bobcats in 2013 as well. Most of the sightings were on the eastern side of the state, with Noble County having the most sightings at 32, although unverified sightings have occurred in 86 of Ohio’s 88 counties.