Stories2 min(s) read
Published 18:07 18 May 2021 GMT
A wild tiger who was recently filmed prowling around a Texas suburb has finally been found.
According to CNN, the tiger, named India, was a nine-month-old male cub owned by 26-year-old Houston resident Victor Hugo Cuevas and his wife Gia.
The big cat was spotted roaming around by locals in a Texas neighborhood at approximately 8:00PM on Sunday, May 9.
After a tense stand-off, Cuevas managed to corral the animal into his SUV and drive off with it before police could arrive, which prompted an intense six-day long search for the animal.
In an official statement posted to Twitter on Sunday, May 16, a spokesperson for the Houston Police Department confirmed that the tiger had been found the day before, writing:
"We are happy to report that the missing tiger seen in a Houston neighborhood last week has been found and appears to be unharmed."
In a follow-up video, HPD Major Offenders Commander Ron Borza commented on the bizarre incident, stating: "The animal likes attention, but in no way, shape, or form should you have an animal like that in your household.
"That animal is only nine months old and already weighs 175 pounds. Full-grown, that animal can get to 600 pounds. It still had its claws and it could a lot of damage if it decided to. Lucky for us, he was very tame."
Footage of the animal was originally shared on Twitter by a passerby who witnessed the terrifying scene. The local captioned the clip: "Apparently there's a tiger loose on my parents' West Houston street?"
The short video shows the Bengal tiger prowling around the suburbs, while local off-duty deputy Wes Manion can be seen pointing his gun at the cat.
Manion can be heard shouting in a state of panic to Cuevas: "Get the f*** back inside. F*** you and your f***ing tiger!"
CNN reports that Manion was able to convince Cuevas to take the big cat back inside his house. Moments later, ignoring Manion's commands to halt, he shoved India into the back of his car and drove away.
According to the publication, Cuevas is being charged with felony evading arrest for fleeing from officers with the animal.
Police also report that the tiger will be taken to Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, a sanctuary for animals, where he will reside with members of his own species.
