Employees of the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission believe it's not your average house cat they're after. Executive director Karen Sparapani said that's why they're trying something new.
“We're approaching it more that this is an escaped pet, albeit an exotic incredibly large one,” she said. They believe someone might have owned the big cat, and it got out of the house or was released.
“These animals typically eat red meat, but we're thinking the owners, because of the cost, would be feeding more chicken, white meat, turkey,” Sparapani said.
The traps are being set up being set up near 30th Street and Cameron Avenue, the last place the lion was spotted. The brush can stand 9 to 10 feet high, an easy place to hide for the lion.
“Those initial residents called, and several have called since then,” Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele Coggs said. The video that sparked the search was taken near Palmer Street and Garfield Avenue, in Coggs’ district. She's happy to see action being taken.
“I don't know about baiting it, but a more vigorous attempt to catch it is important for the safety of the community,” Coggs said. Milwaukee police are also looking into the possibility that it could be an exotic pet that escaped. They're asking a possible owner to come forward.
The traps are being removed at night so other animals aren't caught by mistake. “You can't leave these traps out overnight because you will, inevitably catch coyotes, skunk, whatever,” Sparapani said.
She said trapping is a more organized approach, and the cages will be monitored so there’s less chance of the animal breaking a perimeter. “That's what we worry about -- the animal running into a populated area, or where there's people. Then lethal action will be taken, and no one wants that,” Sparapani said.
While many are joking about the lion and posting funny pictures online, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said everyone in the city should remain on high alert. "My major concern is that no one gets hurt by the lion,” Barrett said.
