Search called off for wandering cheetah near Nelson
Posted December 21, 2015 11:01 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CRESTON (NEWS 1130) – Conservation officers in the Kootenay still want to know if anyone sees a wandering cheetah near Nelson, but the official search for the African cat has been called off.
A search had been underway since Thursday when a passing motorist photographed the cheetah strolling along the highway near Crawford Bay, 50 kilometres northeast of Nelson.
Nightime temperatures in the area have dipped to -4 since the animal was seen and are forecast to drop even lower this week, raising concerns about its health.
The Conservation Service has said the cheetah is unlikely to pose a threat to the public, but if it is alive and hungry officials say it could act out of character — and the RCMP urge area residents to keep an eye on small children and pets until it is located.