A mysterious creature was spotted in the mountains above the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Oahu. Donovan Luis, a local resident, first took photos of the animal last Monday, which he described as a large cat, according to KHON2. After seeing the animal again last Friday, Luis contacted the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, who sent officers to the area.
The search for the animal seen in Manoa has continued, with residents like Nelson Chauncey traveling from Waimanalo, who said, "I'm a believer, yeah," after seeing images Luis captured from different angles. Theories about the animal include leopards, mountain lions, and dogs, but the Honolulu Zoo confirmed that all their animals are accounted for. Luis returned to the area to see the animal again, saying, "I like see 'em again," and was seen throwing rocks near what he described as the animal’s den, as stated by KHON2. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources conducted a search last Friday, using foot patrols and drones, but no further sightings were reported after 11:15 a.m., as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Officials in Oahu are investigating a possible large predator sighting. Residents are advised to exercise caution and maintain distance from wild animals. Luis, who reported the sighting, said, "But I feel better now because if somebody got hurt or attacked, at least I said something, if I didn’t I would have been like 'man, I should have said something,' so yeah I definitely feel better," as per KHON2. Last Saturday, state agencies installed trail cameras near the suspected den area to capture the animal on film. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources asks anyone with information to contact 808-643-DLNR or use the DLNRtip app.
