Large cat sightings, possibly tigers, reported in Myakka City

One or more tigers may have been spotted Thursday evening roaming in Myakka City, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

At about 7 p.m. Thursday, the sheriff’s office received a call from someone who reported spotting three or four large cats, possibly tigers, off of Crosby Road in Eastern Manatee County, according to a news release from spokesman Dave Bristow.

Deputies and Fish and Wildlife Commission officers responded to the area but have not located any large cats.

“We have no reports of anyone in that area who is missing tigers,” Bristow wrote.

“We don’t have anyone missing any tigers,” Bristow later said by phone. “We are not discounting it, but we don’t have any confirmed sightings.”

Bobcats and coyotes are known to roam in the area, however. The FWC will be taking the lead on the investigation.

Anyone who has information is asked to call either the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or Fish and Wildlife Commission at 888-404-3922 (FWCC) or on a cell phone *FWC or #FWC, or send a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 9:38 PM with the headline "Large cat sightings, possibly tigers, reported in Myakka City."