Patchakan Villagers on Alert as Wildcat Roams

Residents of Patchakan Village are on high alert following reports of a wildcat killing livestock and pets.

Village chairman Wilfredo Roger Medina said concerns began about a week ago when families started reporting missing and mauled animals. In response, community leaders activated a neighbourhood watch to warn residents and prevent further losses.

So far, the animal has not been identified. “At first, we didn’t know what it was,” Medina said. Some villagers believe it may be a large, black-coloured cat.

At least four to five families have already lost livestock. “In some instances, only the backbone has been left of the sheep,” said Medina.

What has heightened fear is how close the animal has come to people’s homes. Medina explained that it is no longer confined to forested areas but has entered the village itself, with residents reporting the loss of household pets such as cats and dogs.

Forestry Department rangers are expected to arrive soon to install hidden cameras and identify the animal.

Medina said the goal is not to kill the animal.  “It’s to catch it and relocate it. Back to its natural habitat. Away from the village,” he said.