Huge cat sighted on North Shore

by Marie Szaniszlo
Friday, September 12, 2003


Manchester-by-the-Sea police are advising people to stay away from
the woods after a string of sightings of a large wildcat some believe
to be a mountain lion.


At least three people have reported sightings to the police, mostly
in the vicinity of Powder House Hill Reservation. Similar sightings
have been reported in Beverly in recent weeks.

``We've had reports of foxes and coyotes,'' police dispatcher Dave
Metrano said yesterday, ``but never a lion - not in the 32 years I've
been here.''

Animal Control Officer Rob Steach inspected the area with an expert,
who found tracks, droppings and fur consistent with a large cat,
police Chief Ronald Ramos said.

Although authorities have yet to positively identify the animal,
Ramos said, ``we're working under the assumption that it may be a
captive-bred animal that escaped.''

The chief advised residents to remain calm, noting the department is
working with state Environmental Police to find and ``possibly
capture'' the cat.