To DigitalDan, my buddy PoleTax and all you crazies that have kept me laughing late into the night ....

This story has been circulating around Columbus since last Spring and now we have more information ....

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Licking County
Big Cat Sighted Behind Home


Reported by Tanisha Mallett



Lion sightings that began being reported in May 2004 have been few and far between for nearly a year. But now, one more big cat encounter is being added to the list. And for this one, there is physical proof.

Like the others who have had sightings before him, Rufus Hurst of Granville man says he knows what he saw. But unlike the others, he has the pictures to prove it.

"That is a very, very, big cat,†Hurst said, referring to the photographs.

"The tail, I mean this thing goes all the way back. I think it's just a big, big cat."

That cat was in Rufus Hurst's backyard Saturday around noon. His wife saw it first and urged him to get his camera.

"Finally, when I did see it, I started taking pictures of this rather large cat."

And 30 minutes after it left, Hurst shot pictures of the paw prints it left behind in the snow. While the pictures may not completely relate how large it is, Hurst says trust him. The cat is huge.

"I would say that animal is in the vicinity of 3 plus feet long and stands at least 30 inches to three feet at the shoulders."

Last year there were several sightings of what some people called a lion. Reports came in from Gahanna, east Columbus and Pataskala among other places.

Hurst says then, he never gave the reported sightings much thought.

"At that point, I just thought maybe those people may have seen something," said Hurst, explaining his past cynicism.

Maybe they saw what they said the saw. Hurst says he knows he did.

Several agencies, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, went to Hurst’s home Saturday to investigate the report. Some actually saw the cat for themselves.

Authorities also took plaster molds of its paw prints. However, officials say it will be a while before they determine exactly what type of cat it is.



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Here's the link to the story ....

Make sure you click on the video, it's an interesting story ....

If this is what I think it is, it is very rare to see. Especially in the suburbs of central Ohio's largest city.

Just what I'd expect from a place called Licking County.

Dan

Pres., TYHC

http://www.Maine.Coon

quote:

Originally posted by DigitalDan:
Just what I'd expect from a place called Licking County.

Dan

Pres., TYHC

http://www.Maine.Coon

Yeah, this is what they call an office building .....



Though I have to admit, I was suprised the first time I drove past that big-assed basket ...

Good post Teflon. This shows what we have been warning about: genetically modified cats as big as, well, big cats. and in Columbus too. Bad, very bad. Gotta go add some more tinfoil on my beanie.

Them Yankees don't get out too much, do they?

That mountain lion does look fat and sassy. I'm sure he has been noshing on crats, dogs, coons and possums.

Those lions will repopulate their former haunts in the next 10-15 years.

Then kids will be getting more exercise as making it to the front door from the bus stop after school becomes a more sporting proposition. Best thing to happen in years for the Presiden't Council on Physical Fitness.

LD

I'd like a better picture of the head before I agree it's a Mountain Lion ... the head looks too cut-off to me to be a cougar/mountain lion/panther...

It could just be the angle though - the rest of it certainly looks right to me.

Hello Teflon, Welcome to the Anti-Ignorance Crate.
Allow me to introduce ya.

Gentlemen and Ladies, Tef spent the formative days/weeks/years here in the Greater Charleston,W.Va. area the same time I did.(and still do.)

This is an excuse for me and him both. I use it all the time.

Nice post Tef.