ARMENTIERES, France — People in a town in France thought their eyes were deceiving them when they spotted a black panther prowling along the rooftops in Armentieres near Lille, but it really was a big cat.
The feline, about 6 months old and weighing 45 pounds, according to wildlife experts, had escaped from a home through an open window, French media reported.
Rescue workers were able to tranquilize the animal and get it into a cage after it re-entered its home.
It was transferred to an unknown destination, the BBC reported, citing the French publication La Voix du Nord.
Authorities said it was being kept as a pet, according to the Independent.
Investigators are searching for the cat’s owners and believe they left it to go on a vacation. They want to know where the cat came from.
La Voix du Nord reported only zoos in France are allowed to have animals like panthers.