Maui big cat sightings
reported in Olinda area
A "mystery cat" in upcountry Maui is apparently still in the area around Olinda, based on a number of sightings over the past two weeks, the Department of Land and Natural Resources reported yesterday in an e-mailed news release.
On Wednesday, three residents saw a cat-like animal walking down a pasture fence at around 4 p.m.
The next day at about 5:30 a.m., the animal was seen just a quarter of a mile downslope from the previous day's sighting. Two women passing through the area saw the cat from about 7 feet away at about 8:50 p.m. Thursday night.
They described the animal as about 7 feet long, with a long tail, black coat, yellow-green eyes and a flat face.
DLNR wildlife official responded to the sighting and searched the area with infrared equipment Thursday and Friday nights.
Earlier that week and the week before, homeowners who live in the area heard an animal calling and dogs barking in response.
For more information on the search for the Olinda cat, go to the DLNR Web site at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/wild.
