A Loose Tiger Has Been Spotted In East Tennessee

A tiger has been spotted in east Tennessee, and authorities are telling people in the area to be on the lookout.

On Wednesday night, Knox County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about a loose tiger that had been spotted by one of their deputies in the Forks of the River Industrial Park. It is unclear where the tiger came from or if it belongs to someone in the area, according to News Channel 5.

The Sheriff's Office, Animal Control Units, Air Watch, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, and representatives with Tiger Haven were working Wednesday night to locate the tiger. By midnight, there had been no other confirmed sightings. The search continued Thursday morning after additional 911 calls overnight reported unconfirmed sightings near Thorngrove Pike and Bales Lane in Knoxville.

A trap has been set to capture the tiger, which will then be taken to Tiger Haven in Kingston, according to WATE. Tiger Haven, a big cat sanctuary, and Zoo Knoxville have both said all of their tigers are accounted for and none are missing. Both organizations have offered their services to authorities in hopes of locating the tiger and safely capturing it.

Anyone with information regarding a missing tiger, or if they spot it, should contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Getty Images, Knox Co. Sheriff Facebook