Police were called to investigate a report of a sighting of a large black panther in Roscoe.

According to an advisory issued this afternoon, Roscoe Police said at approximately 11:30 am on Wednesday, they responded to the 5100 block of Rockton Rd. to investigate a reported sighting of a large black panther.

Roscoe Police Report an Unconfirmed Sighting of Large Cat
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Was this a hoax or a very elusive animal? Police say the area was checked but no animal was found. No other witnesses were located. Roscoe Police issued the following statement:

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, panthers have not had a population in Illinois in over 100 years, however occasionally cougars, which are tan or brown in color, have been documented to wander into the area. Large cats are protected in Illinois from any action, unless the animal poses an immediate threat to humans or livestock.

If you have any additional information, contact the Roscoe PD.

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