Humane traps set in hope to capture escaped Dartmoor lynx

(Last Updated On: July 9, 2016)

Humane traps have been set in hope of catching the lynx which escaped from Dartmoor Zoo overnight between Wednesday 6^th and Thursday 7^th July.

The lynx is believed to be on farm land outside the boundary of the park following a sighting by a member of park staff. Devon and Cornwall Police used its two drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras overnight to assist with the search until low fog covered the area at around 3am on the morning of Friday 8th July.

Park staff set 25 humane traps baited with meat in the area, and if these have not captured the lynx the intention today is to make a human cordon of staff and police officers and move the lynx back towards the park. A vet is at the scene with a tranquiliser dart gun if required.

The Zoo remains closed today, posting on social media:
“Our staff are working very hard around the clock to get Flaviu home so we have decided not to open today. Apologies for any inconvenience,”

Safety advice has been issue to local schools and the public.

The animal should not be approached as it could become dangerous if alarmed or cornered

The public are reminded to call 999 if they make a sighting of the lynx, in both cases quoting log 252 of 7^th July 2016