Large cat spotted wandering around UMd. campus

July 31, 2008 - 5:28pm

A large cat was spotted in this wooded area, near Comcast Center at the University of Maryland. (Hank Silverberg/WTOP Photo)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - An unusual four-legged visitor may be wandering around the University of Maryland campus.

University of Maryland Police say they've had at least two sightings Thursday of a tan and brown colored cat about 4 feet long and weighing about 50 pounds.

"We are concerned there might be a large cat loose on the campus," University Police Capt. John Brandt tells WTOP. "It seems to fit the description of a cougar, although none of my officers or none of my video cameras have seen it or caught it on tape yet."

The animal was spotted around Cole Field House near the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and through wooded areas around the Comcast Center and Arena Drive Garage.

The cat hasn't shown aggression toward anyone, but Brandt advises people to stay away if they see the animal.

Brandt tells WTOP he's never heard of a cougar on campus in his more than 20 years on the job.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - An unusual four-legged visitor may be wandering around the University of Maryland campus.

University of Maryland Police say they've had at least two sightings Thursday of a tan and brown colored cat about 4 feet long and weighing about 50 pounds.

The animal was spotted around Cole Field House near the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and through wooded areas around the Comcast Center and Arena Drive Garage.

The cat hasn't shown aggression toward anyone, but Brandt advises people to stay away if they see the animal.

Brandt tells WTOP he's never heard of a cougar on campus in his more than 20 years on the job.

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