Serval Still at Large in Oley: Breaking Cat News From Berks County
Published On: 11/21/2025
Last Updated On: 11/21/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
FREE CAT HAIR HACKS
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FREE CAT HAIR HACKS ⬇️
Photo courtesy of Cricket Wildlife Center Facebook Post
We walked into the newsroom this morning expecting a normal day of reporting, napping, and politely judging Hooman behavior. But instead, our whiskers perked straight up — because breaking news has once again stalked its way out of Berks County.
The third serval wildcat that escaped during last week’s high winds is STILL on the loose — and is now believed to be in the Oley, PA area.
This is not your average neighborhood cat with opinions.
This is a serval — slender, spotted, long-legged, and capable of jumping like gravity is merely a suggestion.
As always, your Stray Cat News editorial team is on the case, paws on the keyboard.
How the Escape Happened
All three wild cats originally escaped from the Cricket Wildlife Center in District Township when strong winds caused a tree to collapse onto their enclosure. Two of the cats were found quickly and safely.
But the third serval—still wearing her collar—managed to slip into the landscape, and her tracker broke off shortly after she escaped, making her much harder to locate.
Search efforts have been ongoing, and based on current information, the wildlife center now believes she is traveling in the Oley PA area.
Is the Serval Dangerous? Here’s What the Wildlife Center Says
No.
Let’s say that again like we’re tapping the news desk with our paw:
She is NOT a danger to pets or children.
In fact, the wildlife center shared that she has lived calmly around toddlers, a 4-pound foster puppy, and domestic cats, including a kitten the center once took in. She has a history of gentle interactions and is easily startled rather than confrontational.
This is a frightened wild animal in unfamiliar surroundings — not a predator on the prowl.
What To Do If You See Her
This part is extremely important. The wildlife center has asked the community to follow these guidelines:
❗ Do NOT approach her.
❗ Do NOT call to her or try to coax her.
She is scared and will run if anyone tries to get close.
📞 If you see her, immediately call the Cricket Wildlife Center:
717-381-9893
They have the experience, equipment, and calm energy needed to guide her home safely.
Your distance is the difference between a successful recovery and her fleeing farther.
Why This Story Matters to the Cat Community
As a platform dedicated to uplifting cat parents, rescues, ARLs, and cat cafés across Pennsylvania, we always approach breaking cat news with compassion and clarity.
Situations like this highlight a crucial truth:
Wild cats are not domestic pets.
They need specialized care, secure facilities, and handlers who understand their instincts and stress responses.
The serval is not aggressive — she is confused, frightened, and trying to find safe, quiet spaces.
Our job as a community is to help — not chase, crowd, or call.
What Happens Next?
Search efforts will continue with help from community reports. Servals are naturally drawn to wooded or secluded areas, so sightings may be brief and scattered.
We promise to keep our whiskers twitching for updates and report new information as it comes in.
