Hunt continues for escaped lynx

Police are continuing to assist Dartmoor Zoological Park staff in the search for a two year old male Carpathian lynx which escaped from its enclosure overnight between Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July 2016.

The lynx is a wild cat approximately the size of a  Labrador. If members of the public sight it they should call 999 immediately quoting log 252 of 7th July 2016. The animal should not be approached as it could be dangerous if alarmed or cornered.

The lynx is believed to be on farm land outside the boundary of the park following a sighting by a member of park staff. Devon and Cornwall Police used its two drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras overnight to assist with the search until low fog covered the area at around 3am on the morning of Friday 8th July.

Park staff set 25 humane traps baited with meat in the area, and if these have not captured the lynx the intention today is to make a human cordon of staff and police officers and move the lynx back towards the park. A vet is at the scene with a tranquiliser dart gun if required.

Police are continuing to issue safety advice to local schools and the public, and if any member of the public or community leader has any concerns they should contact police by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101. The public are reminded to call 999 if they make a sighting of the lynx, in both cases quoting log 252 of 7th July 2016

Police drone team locates escaped Dartmoor lynx footage: https://youtu.be/aViOsUweb1Y