Public urged not to approach escaped lynx

Police are reminding members of the public not to approach the lynx which escaped from Dartmoor Zoological Park last week, nor to be tempted to look for it on the moor.

A police spokesperson said: “Following several credible sightings of the lynx since it escaped, park staff are confident enough to put into place a humane capture plan concentrating on one area of Dartmoor.

“Any activity in this area, such as trying to get photographs, runs the risk of alarming the animal and possibly making it move on and thus making it harder to find. There is also a small risk that if alarmed the lynx could injure anyone who does not understand its potential behaviour in such circumstances.”

Police are continuing to assist park staff in recovering the two year old male Carpathian lynx which escaped from its enclosure overnight between Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July 2016.

Park staff have set 25 humane traps baited with meat in the area where experts believe the animal is hiding. A vet with a tranquiliser dart gun is available if required, but staff at the park are confident that hunger will make the lynx enter one of the traps.

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.

If any member of the public or community leader has any queries of concerns they should contact police by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101, again quoting quoting log 252 of 7th July 2016