August 31, 2004
Search is on for Bengal tiger at Fort Polk
Associated Press
LEESVILLE, La. — A team of about 40 soldiers and sheriff’s deputies searched Fort Polk Tuesday for a Bengal tiger cub that has been seen roaming the woods on the Army base.
It was unclear where the animal came from, but it’s likely that it was a pet that escaped or was set free, said Leslie Whitt, director of the Alexandria Zoo, who assisted in the search. Several witnesses said the animal was wearing a collar.
Based on witness’ descriptions, the tiger is probably about 100 pounds and 1 year old, Whitt said. If it was kept as a pet, it probably has not learned how to hunt for food, he said.
“It probably has no experience whatsoever in killing anything, catching it and eating it,” Whitt said. “It’s probably just freaked out and looking for a way back to where it belongs.”
The animal was first seen on Friday. There were five sightings on Monday, including one person who saw the tiger cross a road near a military police station, said Maj. Ron Elliott, a Fort Polk spokesman. An attempt to catch the tiger with a deer meat trap was unsuccessful, Elliott said.
Leading the search Tuesday were experts from Anna’s Exotic Animal Ranch and Wildlife Consultants, a company that specializes in caring for mammals native to Louisiana. They were armed with stun guns, Elliott said.
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