Roaming panther-like animal has neighbors on edge

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — People living in Henry County say a wild animal is roaming the streets. They worry it poses a threat to kids at the bus stop.

Chris Khan says he now carries his handgun with him when he goes out to walk his dog in the Wintercreek Estates subdivision.

“Now I'm walking her with my piece just to be safe because I don't want to be a statistic. I don't want my dog to be a statistic,” said Khan.

Several neighbors say they're being cautious after reports of a large panther-like cat.

Police say a woman called them after the big cat approached her young son near his bus stop in the subdivision Thursday morning.

Zynoviar Huff says she spoke with the mother who was able to get her child safely into her car

“It’s definitely a worry. I have a 10-year-old son. I'm at the bus stop with (the neighbor) in the mornings, but just this particular morning, I took my son to school,” Huff said.

A spokesperson for Henry County schools said they sent a phone alert to parents Thursday afternoon and said surveillance video from a neighbor showed a large black creature. But no one could confirm what it was.

Vincent Williams says he's not surprised about wildlife in the newly-built neighborhood which borders woods. He and other neighbors like Khan are hopeful whatever is out there is found quickly.

“I’m licensed to carry so I will protect myself and my family,” Williams said.

WSBTV