Authorities are on high alert in the Black River area of St Elizabeth after a wildcat smuggled into the island escaped containment and is now on the loose. Initial reports from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) on Wednesday morning suggested that the animal was a tiger cub, but officials have since clarified that it is actually an ocelot — a smaller, but still potentially dangerous wildcat.
Dr. Sophia Ramlal, Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, confirmed the correction, stating that while the ocelot may resemble a kitten due to its size, it is not a domesticated animal and should be approached with extreme caution.
“It is not a cub… It is an ocelot, which is also a wildcat. It is not native to Jamaica and so, whereas it may not be the size of a tiger, it is a wild animal and should be treated with the same precaution,” Dr. Ramlal told Observer Online.
The ocelot, believed to be young, was part of a smuggled shipment that included four monkeys, 12 parrots, and a quantity of marijuana. The animals were discovered when the Jamaica Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the island’s south coast. The wildcat managed to escape while the animals were being processed at Black River.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the ocelot’s unknown health status. Dr. Ramlal emphasized that the public should not try to capture or interact with the animal, and instead immediately contact authorities if it is spotted.
“We cannot currently verify the health status of this animal… It should be treated with care, with caution, with compassion… and reported to the Veterinary Services Division, the police, NEPA, or the JDF,” she said.
The JDF is working alongside the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and other state agencies to locate the animal. Anyone who sees the ocelot is urged to contact the JDF at (876) 926-8121, NEPA at (876) 754-7540, or the police at 119.
Officials are also reminding the public that keeping animals smuggled into Jamaica without proper permits is illegal and could pose both environmental and public health risks.
