The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is investigating after a viral video showing what appears to be a large wild cat roaming a Rochester, New York, neighborhood took many by surprise this week.
Here’s the latest on whether a large cat is actually loose in the city — and what authorities are doing about it.
Could a mountain lion really be in Rochester?
According to DEC officials, based on the doorbell camera video and measurements taken at the scene Thursday, the animal could possibly be a cougar (also known as a mountain lion) — if the footage hasn’t been altered.
“If this is actually a cougar, given the location within city limits, it is most likely not a wild cat that arrived to the region on its own, but rather a cat that was previously captive, possibly as an illegal pet,” DEC officials said Thursday.
How does the DEC investigate wild animal sightings?
DEC only investigates reports that include physical evidence such as tracks, droppings (scat), fur, or photographs. If there is no such evidence, the report is filed but cannot be verified.
What we know about the Rochester sighting
At about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, a Ring security camera captured a large animal walking through a yard near East Main Street and Culver Road. The video, shared by resident Stephany Baez, quickly went viral — with over 250,000 views and 1,100 shares on Facebook within hours.
“It doesn’t look like a normal cat,” Baez wrote in her post. “It is something scary and I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
DEC officials visited the location on Thursday, July 10, and took measurements and photos that suggest the animal could be a large cat. However, a search of the surrounding neighborhood turned up no tracks, scat, fur, or other physical clues.
Multiple sightings reported — but unconfirmed
Following the video’s release, Rochester Police received several 911 calls reporting similar sightings across the city, according to Lt. Anthony DelVecchio. But so far, no additional images or physical evidence have been found.
“None of these reports have been substantiated,” DelVecchio said. “Until the validity of the original video can be confirmed, RPD urges the public to remain vigilant. If anyone observes a large wild animal, they are advised to go indoors immediately and call 911.”
Mountain lions in New York: What does DEC say?
According to the DEC, there is no native, self-sustaining population of mountain lions (also called cougars or eastern cougars) in New York. They once roamed the state — especially the Adirondacks — but were wiped out by the early 1900s due to habitat loss, hunting, and food scarcity.
Occasional sightings in recent decades have typically involved:
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Captive animals that escaped or were released
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Mistaken identity (bobcats, coyotes, large domestic cats, or even deer)
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One confirmed wild cougar that passed through from South Dakota during a 1,800-mile migration
How to identify a cougar
According to the DEC, adult cougars are:
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Up to 8 feet long (nose to tail)
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About 3 feet tall at the shoulder
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Around 140 pounds on average
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They have:
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Long, slender bodies
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Short, rounded ears
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Brownish-red to light brown fur
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Creamy white underbellies
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Black markings on the tip of the tail, ears, and base of the whiskers
Think you saw a cougar? Here’s what to do
DEC will only investigate if there’s physical evidence or a confirmed escape of a captive animal. If you think you’ve spotted a mountain lion:
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Look for signs: tracks, scat, or fur
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Take photos of the animal and any physical evidence — only if safe to do so
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Keep your distance: Back away slowly and treat it like any dangerous wild animal or unknown dog
Report sightings to law enforcement or DEC officials immediately.
How to report a sighting to the DEC
If you think you’ve seen a cougar in western New York:
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Weekdays: Contact the DEC’s regional wildlife office at (585) 226-5380 or email r8wildlife@dec.ny.gov
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After-hours or weekends: Call the DEC Environmental Conservation Officer dispatch at 844-332-3267
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Video may show captive mountain lion loose in Rochester NY, DEC says
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