Mysterious Predator On the Loose in Davie

Residents fearful panther is stalking neighborhood

Some kind of predator is on the loose near a neighborhood in Davie, and it has residents trying to figure out what it is.

Max Gress' mother, Lori, told him she saw it attack their cat. He told NBC Miami her best guess was that it was a panther.

"My mom said there was a huge panther in the back yard, and as soon as you come in there, you see the trees torn up with claw marks," said Gress, who lives in the 6100 block of Southwest 56th Street.

Fearing another sighting, or possible attack soon, neighbors are taking precautions, including cutting down on playtime for some kids living near the alleged panther sighting.

"Ever since they heard there's a panther, we can't go outside by ourselves," said Matthew Okun.

An animal trapper has been called in to help locate the animal. Gress found several trees scratched up in his yard near where his cat was attacked.

"He's marking his territory, so he can come back later," said Gress, referencing what he's learned from animal documentaries.

While neighbors believe they're dealing with a panther, state officials have also suggested it could be a coyote.

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