A Lehigh County Wildlife Refuge Tragedy: Serval Cat's Desperate Flight Ends in Fatal Car Accident
In a heart-wrenching conclusion to weeks of desperate efforts to capture a wild African serval cat, the elusive creature met its demise after being struck by a car. The cat had broken free from the Cricket Wildlife Center in Alburtis last month, joining two other felines that had escaped around the same time.
Despite a community-wide effort to track down and safely capture the remaining animal, she was found fatally injured on Monday night. Her whereabouts were unknown until her body was discovered near the Berks County Memorial Gardens, about 15 miles west of the wildlife center where she initially went missing.
Contrary to initial concerns, the African serval cats that escaped from the wildlife center are considered non-aggressive towards humans and pose no threat to pets or public safety. However, the third cat had been spotted by several farmers in the area, who reported seeing her hunting mice and rats around their buildings, as well as eating pet food left outside.
The Cricket Wildlife Center expressed gratitude to the numerous individuals who contributed to the search efforts, including dozens of people, over 100 calls reporting sightings, and countless others who offered support. "We take solace in the fact that the other two are home and safe," said the center, acknowledging that the outcome was not what they had hoped for.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, African servals inhabit savannas, grasslands, and wetlands across much of the continent. Adults can reach up to 2 feet in height at the shoulders and weigh around 40 pounds. With their medium size and non-aggressive nature, it is possible for owners to obtain them as pets with special permits in Pennsylvania.
In a heart-wrenching conclusion to weeks of desperate efforts to capture a wild African serval cat, the elusive creature met its demise after being struck by a car. The cat had broken free from the Cricket Wildlife Center in Alburtis last month, joining two other felines that had escaped around the same time.
Despite a community-wide effort to track down and safely capture the remaining animal, she was found fatally injured on Monday night. Her whereabouts were unknown until her body was discovered near the Berks County Memorial Gardens, about 15 miles west of the wildlife center where she initially went missing.
Contrary to initial concerns, the African serval cats that escaped from the wildlife center are considered non-aggressive towards humans and pose no threat to pets or public safety. However, the third cat had been spotted by several farmers in the area, who reported seeing her hunting mice and rats around their buildings, as well as eating pet food left outside.
The Cricket Wildlife Center expressed gratitude to the numerous individuals who contributed to the search efforts, including dozens of people, over 100 calls reporting sightings, and countless others who offered support. "We take solace in the fact that the other two are home and safe," said the center, acknowledging that the outcome was not what they had hoped for.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, African servals inhabit savannas, grasslands, and wetlands across much of the continent. Adults can reach up to 2 feet in height at the shoulders and weigh around 40 pounds. With their medium size and non-aggressive nature, it is possible for owners to obtain them as pets with special permits in Pennsylvania.
14 out of 100 reported sightings were false alarms lol. anywayz, servals r super fast, up to 40 mph, but still managed to get hit by a car 
. idk what's more sad tho, the fact that it died or that ppl r gonna miss seein her hunting mice 
. btw, did u know servals are endangered in africa? 
I mean, can you believe how far that little guy had to travel to get back home? 15 miles is a long way, especially when you're already injured. And what's even more messed up is that people were out there hunting her, eating pet food left outside... it's like they thought she was some kind of pest or something 
. I'm so glad that the center at least acknowledged how grateful they are for all the help, though - it's clear that everyone who contributed to the search efforts did it out of kindness and a love for animals. We should be celebrating the fact that two other servals made it back home safe and sound 
It's so sad 4 the ppl at Cricket Wildlife Center, they must be devastated 
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Over 100 calls & all that jazz... that's some serious community spirit right there! 
I'm low-key impressed btw 
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. May she rest in peace 
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. The fact that the African serval cats were initially considered non-aggressive towards humans only highlights the complexities and uncertainties inherent in understanding animal behavior 
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she was so cute 
and everyone was searching for her and trying to help her 
i hope so! 
. I feel bad for the people who were trying to help her too, putting themselves out in the cold to look for her. The fact that they got close enough to spot her hunting mice and eating pet food just shows how wild and resourceful she was 
. who needs safety protocols when you've got a "non-aggressive" animal on the loose? I'm sure it had nothing to do with people being terrified of something they don't understand 
. at least the wildlife center got some free publicity out of this 
. anyone else think it's weird that they let these animals go in the first place? 
at least the other two are safe and sound though, that's gotta mean a lot to everyone involved 
They should be helping her get safe instead of harassing her. Anyways, glad the other two got caught and are doin' alright 
Oh man, this serval cat's story is just heartbreaking. I'm so sad she didn't make it 
That's amazing dedication from the community. And yeah, it's interesting that they're non-aggressive towards humans, but I can see why some farmers might be worried with them hunting mice and rats around their buildings 
. at least we know they're not aggressive towards humans, but still... poor baby 
. i've been reading about servals online and they're actually pretty fascinating creatures - all that speed and agility, hunting those small prey... no wonder she was so determined to escape 
. Those poor farmers who saw her hunting mice & eating pet food 
... I feel bad for them too 
, even if they couldn't catch the serval 
Ugh, what a waste! That poor serval cat was just trying to survive on its own after getting out of that cramped space at the wildlife center. I mean, can't they just release it into a bigger enclosure or something? 
Now it's just a body on the side of the road... 
... like, we get it, servals love snacks too 
. But seriously, can't we just let 'em roam free? They're not hurting anyone!