Big Cat Reported in Texas Cities

HALTOM CITY -- The city's kitty appears to be on the prowl everywhere and nowhere.

Since being seen by a police officer early Monday morning near Big Fossil Creek, the cat that Fort Worth Zoo officials say could be a mountain lion has been sighted in Watauga, North Richland Hills and Hurst, officials said. "This may be the Bigfoot syndrome," said Chuck Kendrick, Haltom City public works director.

North Richland Hills Animal Control Department took at least three cat calls, including a report of one siting on Rufe Snow Drive. "Actually it was a black trash bag blowing in the wind," animal control officer Candi Henderson said. The one place the cat has not been seen is anywhere near the bait that Haltom City and zoo officials set out for it along Big Fossil Creek. "So far we have nobody eating our bait except dogs and raccoons," Kendrick said. Bait will remain out there at least until Tuesday.

Although the cat may have skulked off to other locations, Haltom City police Sgt. Tony Veltre recommended that residents near Big Fossil Creek continue with precautions, such as bringing pets and pet food in at night.