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There may or may not be a lion on the loose on the streets of Milwaukee There may or may not be a lion on the loose on the streets of Milwaukee
(35 minutes later)
Police in Milwaukee are preparing to slaughter a lion that may or may not be on the loose.Police in Milwaukee are preparing to slaughter a lion that may or may not be on the loose.
Two dozen people have called the Milwaukee police department in the last three days to report that they have seen a lion stalking the city’s streets.Two dozen people have called the Milwaukee police department in the last three days to report that they have seen a lion stalking the city’s streets.
But so far, the animal has avoided the clutches of police, who said in a statement that they have “investigated each call and have not found a lion or any animal resembling a lion”.But so far, the animal has avoided the clutches of police, who said in a statement that they have “investigated each call and have not found a lion or any animal resembling a lion”.
The lion, if it is a lion, was first spotted on Monday by a Milwaukee resident. Grainy video footage shot by the alarmed citizen showed what appeared to be a four-legged mammal with sandy-brown hair pacing along a street in a cat-like manner. The video showed the animal for less than two seconds before it walked behind a bush.The lion, if it is a lion, was first spotted on Monday by a Milwaukee resident. Grainy video footage shot by the alarmed citizen showed what appeared to be a four-legged mammal with sandy-brown hair pacing along a street in a cat-like manner. The video showed the animal for less than two seconds before it walked behind a bush.
Citizens have reported that the animal is an African lion – sometimes referred to as the “king of the jungle” – although there has also been speculation that it could be a mountain lion, or a very large cat.Citizens have reported that the animal is an African lion – sometimes referred to as the “king of the jungle” – although there has also been speculation that it could be a mountain lion, or a very large cat.
Milwaukee police said they were first alerted to the potential presence of a lion at 4pm central time on Monday. While officers have been unable to track the feline, police said if they do locate the lion – and find out that it is actually a lion – they plan to kill it. Milwaukee police said they were first alerted to the potential presence of a lion at 4pm CT on Monday. While officers have been unable to track the feline, police said if they do locate the lion – and find out that it is actually a lion – they plan to kill it.
“Animal experts have advised that no attempts should be made to capture the animal, as it may be a dangerous predator,” Milwaukee police said in a statement.“Animal experts have advised that no attempts should be made to capture the animal, as it may be a dangerous predator,” Milwaukee police said in a statement.
“Officers have been advised that, if a lion is located, they should not attempt to capture it but should call for additional resources who will follow the animal until it can safely be put down.”“Officers have been advised that, if a lion is located, they should not attempt to capture it but should call for additional resources who will follow the animal until it can safely be put down.”
Milwaukee police did not immediately respond to a question regarding the planned method of slaughter.Milwaukee police did not immediately respond to a question regarding the planned method of slaughter.
A journalist for the local ABC news affiliate,, reported from the North Side of Milwaukee, where all the sightings have occurred, that “neighbours are actually looking around, just in case a lion is actually roaming around”. A journalist for the local ABC news affiliate reported from the north side of Milwaukee, where all the sightings have occurred, that “neighbours are actually looking around, just in case a lion is actually roaming around”.
Fuel has been added to the lion-speculation fire after a feral cat was found dead, having been “ripped apart”, according to ABC.Fuel has been added to the lion-speculation fire after a feral cat was found dead, having been “ripped apart”, according to ABC.
The Milwaukee zoo has insisted that the lion, should there be a lion, is not one of theirs. The zoo posted a picture of two lions to Twitter. “All of our lions are safe and sound!” the zoo said.The Milwaukee zoo has insisted that the lion, should there be a lion, is not one of theirs. The zoo posted a picture of two lions to Twitter. “All of our lions are safe and sound!” the zoo said.
We're not sure what's running around the city, but all of our lions are safe and sound! #mkelion pic.twitter.com/zbyoD0QsBIWe're not sure what's running around the city, but all of our lions are safe and sound! #mkelion pic.twitter.com/zbyoD0QsBI
Male lions, of the animal family Felidae, can weigh as much as 550lbs, while females have clocked the scales at 390lbs. Males are distinguishable from females by their thick, bushy mane, which can vary in colour from light brown to almost black. Male lions, of the animal family Felidae, can weigh as much as 550lb, while females have clocked the scales at 390lb. Males are distinguishable from females by their thick, bushy mane, which can vary in colour from light brown to almost black.
In the wild, lions typically survive on a diet of antelopes, gazelles, and sometimes young elephants. The animals have eaten humans in the past, however. Earlier this year, a woman was dragged from her car in Johannesburg, South Africa, and killed. The alleged Milwaukee lion has not attacked any humans. In the wild, lions typically survive on a diet of antelopes, gazelles and sometimes young elephants. The animals have eaten humans in the past, however. Earlier this year, a woman was dragged from her car in Johannesburg, South Africa, and killed. The alleged Milwaukee lion has not attacked any humans.