Large cat roaming U. of Maryland caught on tape

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The large feline roaming the University of Maryland campus has now been caught on tape, and officials believe the cat could be an expensive pet.

The feline is believed to be a Savannah cat, a domestic crossbreed of a short-haired cat and an African Serval cat.

"It's something people have done over the years to create an extra-large pet kitty," says Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto.

The Savannah is known as the "great dane" of the cat family, weighing up to 50 pounds.

"I suspect someone is missing a big and probably not inexpensive pet," says Peditto.

It could be worth between $4,000 and $10,000.

In Maryland, owning a Savannah is legal, however in some places, including Massachusetts, Georgia and New York City, it is illegal to have one as a pet.

The animal was spotted last Friday around Cole Field House near the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and through wooded areas around the Comcast Center and Arena Drive Garage. The cat hasn't shown aggression toward anyone, but officials advise people to stay away if they see the animal.

The cat is still on the loose.

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