Big cat sightings are not uncommon in the Multnomah County of Oregon, USA. According to the county sheriff’s workplace, cougars have been spotted off and on in the location for years. But when a neighborhood known as in to report a achievable cheetah sighting on Friday, police officers had been shocked.
“This morning, we received a call from a SW Portlander who reported seeing a big cat with ‘spots’ in an elevated position off the road in the Green Hills neighborhood,” Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook. “Big cats are not uncommon in this area, cougars have been spotted in the West Hills periodically over the years, but a possible cheetah, this was new for us.”
The caller stated they saw the significant cat in the yard of a Southwest Portland property, which is not far from the Oregon Zoo. They stated the animal looked like a cheetah but did not seem to be aggressive.
Deputy Sullivan was dispatched to the neighbourhood to investigate the sighting. On his way there, he known as the Oregon Zoo. They reported no missing animals.
When the deputy arrived at the property in the Green Hills neighbourhood, he was shocked to learn what was going on. Sneaking up on the “beast”, he realised it was a stuffed animal.
“Of course, it sat there dumbfounded that I was able to get so close for a couple of photos. Turns out it was a stuffed animal,” the deputy stated when sharing stated images on Facebook.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office’s post about the incident has gone viral with more than 2,400 ‘shares’ and hundreds of amused comments.
“This is so funny! Glad everyone was safe in the end… hopefully the stuffed animal is being re-homed,” wrote one particular Facebook user.
“I’m glad the officer captured that cat and removed that threat. No telling how many stuffed people were saved,” a further joked.
This is not the 1st time a life-size stuffed toy has left police officers confused. In 2018, a police team’s 45-minute stand-off with a tiger ended when they realised it was a toy.