Indiana authorities searched for a lion and its cub on Thursday after receiving multiple reports of the animals roaming loose in Hancock and Madison counties. A homeowner contacted 911 around 10 a.m. to report seeing what appeared to be a 300-pound lioness with a blue harness near South County Road 50 West. The witness observed the animal with binoculars and reported a smaller cub was seen nearby.
A drone operator later confirmed the sighting from above. However, a four-hour search conducted by ground units and thermal drones yielded no sightings of the big cats. Authorities did observe large animals that were later identified as livestock.
Sheriff John Beeman told WXIN-TV that the area's dense woods and agricultural fields could provide ample hiding places for the animals. The origin of the lion and cub remains unknown, and no animal sanctuaries have reported missing lions. Authorities are not aware of any permits issued for keeping lions in the county, and Sheriff Beeman suggested the animals may have been illegally kept as pets or escaped during transport. The search was suspended Thursday evening.