Rangers Investigate as Wild Cat Threat Looms in Patchakan

Residents of Patchakan Village are on edge following a string of attacks on livestock and pets, believed to be the work of a large wild cat. Families report losing livestock, with some carcasses left stripped to the bone, and now fear for the safety of their homes as the animal has ventured into village limits. Chairman Wilfredo Medina says forest rangers from Sarteneja and the Forest Department were in the village today, going door to door and gathering reports from residents. But while those assessments are underway, the wild animal is still on the loose and continues to pose a danger.

 

On the Phone: Wilfredo Medina, Chairman, Patchakan Village

“When I was first called we come out, but we have not identified or seen what type of wild animal it is, but sources, some residents have seen a bit and they said that it is a big cat, a black color big cat, that is what they have seen and told me. At least four to five families, their animals have been killed and in some instances only the backbone of the animals have been left, the sheep. That is the information we have right. Speaking with you right now, the rangers from the forestry department have  called me and they are heading to the village as we speak. I think they will be putting hidden cameras on the area to spot what type of animal so they can deal with that wild animal. We had a good while from what I can recall. We have not had those types of problems within the village. We have in the forest but they have not come into the village. They have come into the village limits already, within the village, the main highway. Like how I said, the wild animals have already reached into the village and taking the cats and dogs from homeowners because the animal has already reached their doors. So, that is their big concern.”