Lions, Tigers, Bears on the Loose in Ohio (Columbus, Zanesville: live, dangerous)

[RedJacket]

As many as 48 wild animals, including cheetahs, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, tigers and lions are on the loose in the area of Zanesville, Ohio, after they escaped from a private wildlife preserve, police said tonight.
Officers believe they have shot as many as 25 of the animals so far, but it is not clear exactly how many escaped, according to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department.
Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said that until the animals are rounded up, people should stay inside.
“These are wild animals, wild animals that you would see on TV in Africa,” Mutz said at a news conference this evening.
Terry Thompson, the owner of the preserve was found dead, but it’s not clear yet how he died, the sheriff said.


http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headline...loose-in-ohio/

[the_pines]

Hahahaha

Let them live and see if they thrive in Ohio.

[RedJacket]

Originally Posted by the_pines

Hahahaha

Let them live and see if they thrive in Ohio.

The odds of them surviving in Ohio are just as good, or maybe better, than the odds of humans thriving in FL.

[Bhaalspawn]

It's really sad that they have to shoot and kill all of these large majestic animals. There aren't many big cats left in the world today. It's too bad they can't just shoot them with tranquilizers.

[nativetexasgal]

I'm from Texas, and I would expect the going out and shooting animals here, but somehow I thought Ohio would be different.

Why in God's name are these animals not being shot with tranquilizer guns? Some of these animals are among the most majestic in the entire world. What is wrong with people that the FIRST "solution" to these animals escaping is shooting and killing them? Why? Why?

[RedJacket]

Obviously some of these animals are very dangerous and a big threat to humans. The situation might have been bad enough where the cops felt they had to shot to kill. Waiting for people to come from the Columbus zoo might not have been an option.

The bigger issue is why anyone should be allowed to keep so many exotic animals. Laws need to change and these type animals should only be allowed in a zoo. Although I'd prefer they all run wild in their natural habitat.

If humans need to entertain themselves by going to a zoo, then I suggest caging up other humans for them to gawk at.

[1watertiger]

lions and tigers and bears... oh my

[nativetexasgal]

In this world, it seems that humans are a MUCH bigger threat to animals than vice versa, by the way.

If these animals were kept as pets, they are probably scared more than anything. I understand that they are still "wild," but why kill so many beautiful creatures?

Yes, it would be interesting to find out why the owner of these animals was allowed to keep so many exotic animals.

It's a regrettable situation no matter what.

[Natural510]

Originally Posted by nativetexasgal

In this world, it seems that humans are a MUCH bigger threat to animals than vice versa, by the way.

If these animals were kept as pets, they are probably scared more than anything. I understand that they are still "wild," but why kill so many beautiful creatures?

Yes, it would be interesting to find out why the owner of these animals was allowed to keep so many exotic animals.

It's a regrettable situation no matter what.

Agreed. Hopefully some of their species will still survive after we kill ourselves off.

[Bodycount]

I doubt some of these animals will survive the cold nights we've been getting. Lions and tigers and cheetahs are not used to 40 degree temps.