Update: BamBam was captured overnight
Original story below
The Royal Oak Police Department is telling residents to be on the lookout for a large African caracal cat that is loose in the area.
We're told it was last spotted in the area of 13 Mile and Rochester Roads.
A resident who has four of them had two recently escape. One was found, but the other is still on the loose. This is reportedly at least the third time the cat has escaped someone's home.
Police say a neighbor notified them, and then they alerted an elementary school in the area.
Anyone who sees the animal is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching it. Children should also not approach or interact with the cat.
Police say the cats are nocturnal, and this one may be bedded down somewhere.
According to the International Society for Endangered Cats, caracals are often called the "desert lynx."
The society said they are "remarkable jumpers."
One website said that the caracal is very rarely a threat to humans and would prefer running away from people rather than risk their health or confrontation.
