2 Wildcats Captured, 1 Still on the Loose After Escape from Cricket Wildlife Center in PA
Published On: 11/10/2025
Last Updated On: 11/10/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
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Hello again, friends — your feline correspondents Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama are back at the newsroom with an update that’s equal parts relief and curiosity.
If you’ve been following our previous story about the three African serval wildcats who escaped the Cricket Wildlife Center in District Township, Pennsylvania — here’s the latest:
Two of the servals have been safely captured, but one is still on the loose as of Sunday morning, November 9, 2025.
The escape happened Thursday night after powerful winds knocked a tree onto their outdoor enclosure, creating an opening for the cats to slip out.
Enclosure damaged by fallen tree from November 5th storm at Cricket Wildlife Center in PA
What We Know So Far
📍 Location: Cricket Wildlife Center, District Township — about 4 miles southwest of Bear Creek Mountain Resort.
Cause: High winds during a storm toppled a large tree, damaging the serval enclosure.
Status:
Two servals have been found and returned safely.
One serval remains missing but has been spotted near the facility.
☎️ If you see the wildcat: Call Cricket Wildlife Center immediately at 717-381-9893.
The center emphasizes that these cats are not dangerous to people or pets — they’re older, calm, and dependent on humans for care.
A Gentle Reminder: Please, Don’t Panic (or Chase!)
We know — “wildcat on the loose” sounds dramatic. But this isn’t a scene from Tiger King.
These servals aren’t predators on the prowl; they’re frightened, disoriented cats who just want to find their way home.
The best thing locals can do?
✅ Keep an eye out.
✅ Report sightings immediately.
✅ Do not try to approach, capture, or corner them.
If you see the wildcats, you are asked to call the Cricket Wildlife Center at 717-381-9893.
From the Newsroom Cats: Compassion Matters Most
As rescue cats ourselves, we can’t help but purr at the thought of two servals safely back under warm lights and loving care.
But we’re also holding our tails high for the third — still out there, likely cold, confused, and hungry.
If you live in Berks County, Alburtis, or near Bear Creek, please share the alert, check your security cameras, and spread awareness. Every share brings this cat closer to safety.
You can follow updates on the Cricket Wildlife Center Facebook Page or check in with your local wildlife authorities.
What Are Servals, Anyway?
Serval: medium-sized wild cats with tawny, black-spotted coats and long necks and long legs
Servals are sleek, golden-spotted wildcats known for their long legs and powerful leaps (seriously — 10 feet straight up!). While smaller than leopards, they’re still far too wild for domestic life.
They thrive in sanctuaries and wildlife centers where trained experts meet their needs.
And while we house cats like to think we’re fierce — servals are the real deal.
Why This Story Matters (and What We Can Learn)
As rescue cats ourselves, we know what it’s like to be lost — and scared.
These servals may not be neighborhood strays, but their story reminds us of something universal: every cat, wild or tame, depends on compassion to find their way home.
This is also a powerful reminder of the incredible work done by local animal and wildlife centers like Cricket — and the importance of preparedness and support in times of crisis.
If you live nearby:
✅ Stay calm — they are not dangerous.
✅ Don’t chase or corner them.
✅ Call 717-381-9893 if you see one.
And if your inner rescuer is roaring, you can support Cricket Wildlife Center’s recovery efforts through donations or supplies listed on their Facebook page.
🐾 Bonus for Cat Parents
Want to learn how to help cats — big or small — safely and compassionately?
Join our Stray Cat News Insider List for the latest updates on PA rescues, shelters, and feline news below.
Because every cat deserves a safe place to land — whether it’s a windowsill… or a wildlife sanctuary. 💚
