Authorities in central Indiana searched for a 300-pound lioness and her cub after multiple reports of the animals being seen loose in Madison County. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department received a call around 10 a.m. Thursday regarding two large exotic cats spotted on South Country Road 50 West in Jackson Township.
A resident reportedly saw a lioness, described as wearing a blue harness and weighing 300 pounds, along with a smaller cub, roaming near their home. A drone operator also reportedly provided confirmation of the sighting.
Law enforcement, including sheriff's deputies and state police, utilized ground units and thermal drones in an extensive, four-hour search of the area, which is believed to be in northern Hancock or southern Madison counties. However, officials stated they could not verify the existence of the lions, as no law enforcement personnel directly observed the animals.
As of Thursday, no animal sanctuaries had reported any missing lions. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department also indicated it was unaware of any permits within the county that would authorize the ownership of a lion.