A wildlife rehabilitation center in western Berks County says three African servals escaped their enclosure during the wind storm overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
The smallish, wild cats native to sub-Saharan Africa are not a threat to attack children or pets like cats and dogs, according to the Cricket Wildlife Center in District Township near Alburtis, Lehigh County.
“They’re very sweet, old animals that are probably very scared right now,” the nonprofit center’s owner, Melissa Bescant, told lehighvalleylive.com as the search for them was continuing Thursday afternoon.
The trio got free on the 100 Bitting Road property as the wind storm took down ash trees likely damaged by the invasive emerald ash-borer insect.
Wind speeds reportedly reached 45-60 mph Wednesday night across Berks County, according to the National Weather Service.
Cricket Wildlife Center was working with partners including the Pennsylvania Game Commission to try to recapture the servals, including through the use of live traps and trail cameras, according to Bescant.
Servals normally prey on rabbits and chickens, she said. Otherwise, “They’re harmless.”
“They are not a danger to your kids or pets so please do not harm them,” the center posted on Facebook. “They are older animals so their ability to care for themselves is not good.”
Searchers asked anyone who sees the servals to immediately call 717-381-9893.
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