March 31, 2007 - Eldersburg, Maryland - A local resident has reported witnessing a large cat like animal crossing White Rock, Rd near Piney Run Reservoir on the evening of Friday, March 30, 2007.Martin Ridgeley of nearby Eldersburg described the animal as a large feline with a long thick tail and dark gray in color. It was crossing the road approximately 50 feet in front of the Ridgeley's vehicle around 7:15 PM local time. He states he got an excellent look at the "cat" and estimates the body size "at least 5 feet long and very muscular, similar to a cougar". He stated he made a report with the DNR and local authorities soon after the incident.
This is not the first report of large cats or mountain lions in central Maryland. There have been at least 3 similar investigated reports since the mid-1980's. As well, the influx of coyotes from the western states has also occurred in Maryland since the early-mid 1980's. The central piedmont and urbanized (Baltimore metro) areas of Maryland still have an abundant wildlife population, in particular white-tailed deer with some of the largest area concentrations east of the Mississippi River.
There have been no reports of pet or livestock deaths so far, though there is plenty of wildlife available to feed an animal of this size.
Large Cat Lion Maryland
Shyamali Malakar
