A caracal, an exotic cat native to Africa and Asia, was captured in a suburban Chicago neighborhood after nearly 24 hours of being on the loose. The cat was found under a deck in Hoffman Estates by local police officers. The large cat was quickly secured in a cage and taken into custody unharmed. The caracal was believed to have escaped from an unknown location and was being picked up by The Valley of the Kings Sanctuary in Wisconsin for a safe and happy life. The cat had been seen in the area of Della Drive and the Hilldale Golf Course before its capture. Caracals, which are endangered species, are not typically found in the United States and are not suitable as pets due to their predatory nature. They prey on small mammals and birds and can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. The police department warned residents not to attempt to feed the animal and to use caution if they come across it. They urged anyone with information about the owner of the caracal to call 911. The capture of the caracal garnered attention on social media and the community was relieved that the cat was captured safely.
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