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National Zoo suspends search for escaped bobcat

This photo provided by the Smithsonian's National Zoo shows Ollie, a female bobcat the the zoo. Ollie escaped from its enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington. (Barbara Statas / Smithsonian's National Zoo via AP)
Associated Press
This photo provided by the Smithsonian's National Zoo shows Ollie, a female bobcat the the zoo. Ollie escaped from its enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington. (Barbara Statas / Smithsonian's National Zoo via AP)

WASHINGTON – The National Zoo is suspending its search from a bobcat that escaped from its enclosure.

The female bobcat known as Ollie was found to be missing on Monday morning. Bobcats are native to much of North America, including the greater Washington area, and zoo officials say Ollie is likely to thrive in the wild. The zoo is surrounded by Rock Creek Park, which is home to rats, squirrels, mice, chipmunks and small birds, all of which could be prey for a bobcat.

Craig Saffoe, the zoo’s curator of great cats, told reporters Wednesday that the zoo doesn’t have the staff to continue canvassing neighborhoods for Ollie. He encouraged residents to keep calling the zoo if they spot the bobcat and says the zoo will continue to respond to credible tips.