Chester County: African Serval Still Loose After House Fire
Residents in Chester County, South Carolina are urged to keep a lookout for a stray exotic pet, an African serval, on the loose following a house fire on East Lacey Street. Local officials are asking residents to promptly report any sightings of the large wild cat, which darted out of the premises during the blaze.
Public Safety Concerns
Given that the African serval is not a domesticated species, it poses a significant threat to citizens due to its potential aggressive behavior and strength. Children and household pets should notably stay under close supervision, and indoors if possible until authorities can locate and capture the serval.
The Incident
The fire incident occurred on a Wednesday night. Firefighters were informed about the escape of the African serval when they arrived at the scene. In the unfortunate event, two domestic cats were found dead, but the serval is still missing as of Friday, 11 a.m.
Urgent Search and Recovery
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources initially issued a directive to shoot the wild cat on sight but retracted this order after a discussion with local law enforcement officials. The owner was provided a four-hour window to find the serval, failing which law enforcement was authorized to undertake “necessary measures”, including possibly euthanizing the creature for public safety.
Report Sightings Immediately
Residents are strongly encouraged not to approach or attempt to capture the serval due to the severe inherent risk. Instead, sightings should be urgently reported to the police. The community is collectively tasked with supporting the safe recovery of this displaced wild animal in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
