[Updated] Exotic serval cat loose in Los Alamitos

Update: In response to public comment at the Dec. 17 meeting, Los Alamitos Councilwoman Gerri Graham-Mejia stated that the third (and last) Serval has been captured. Los Alamitos Police Chief Todd Mattern confirmed this.

The following information was released by the Los Alamitos Police Department.

Three wild Serval cats, which were being raised as pets, escaped from their home on the 4400 block of Howard Ave. on the night of Dec. 15.

Since their escape, two of the cats have been captured by Long Beach Animal Control.

One cat was found on the 4100 block of Farquhar Ave. and the other on the 4400 block of Green.

Neither the cats nor the first responders were injured during their capture.

The remaining cat is thought to be in the area, most likely hiding in shrubbery or bushes.

It is illegal to own Serval cats in the State of California.

Although these cats were being raised as pets, they, like any aimal, can be dangerous if approached.

These exotic cats are about the size of a medium dog, standing about 2&frac24; feet tall, with black spots, and resemble a small cheetah.

In an effort to alert the public, an alert OC notification was sent to residents and businesses within a half mile raius of where the cats escaped.

The Los Alamitos Police Department and the Long Beach Animal Care Services ask that if the public sees the remaining cat, they call 9-1-1 immediately.