Deputies on hunt for reported lion, cub in Indiana

MADISON/HANCOCK COUNTIES, Ind. — A lion and a cub may be on the loose somewhere in Hancock or Madison counties in Indiana.

Sheriff’s deputies and state police are on the hunt for the animals.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department said it received a report at 10 a.m. of two large exotic cats on the loose somewhere in the 10000 block of South County Road 50 West.

A resident reportedly looked out his back window and observed an allegedly 300-pound lioness wearing a blue harness heading southwest. A smaller cub was reportedly alongside the lioness.

Previously, the sheriff’s department said it also had received a report from a drone operator confirming the sighting of the animals.

The sheriff’s department could not verify the loose animals, saying no law enforcement officers have spotted the lions after a four-hour extensive search. Police used ground units and thermal drones during the search but no big cats were spotted.

The allegedly loose cats would be somewhere in southern Madison County or northern Hancock County.

If you spot the lion, call either the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department or the Madison County Sheriff’s Department to report its location.

At this time, no missing animals from any animal sanctuaries have been reported. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department said it is unaware of any permits in Madison County that permit the ownership of a lion.