UPDATE ON "BIG BLACK CAT" (JULY 24, 2009)
PALISADES, NY (ROCKLAND COUNTY) The following was taken from an article in the July 24, 2009 issue of the "THE JOURNAL NEWS".
Last night at the Palisades Presbyterian Church, concerned citizens met with Orangetown Police Officials and the Town Supervisor to discuss possible actions concerning the sitings of big black cats in Palisades as well as the surrounding area. Apparently, (2) deer carcasses turned up in the last few weeks and citizens are concerned that these may be the result of predatory felines prowling the area. Shane Hobel, a tracker with New Jersey based Tracker SFI said at least one large cat is present and "feeding well". Hobel has been scouting the area since April, when the first big cat sightings were reported. His discoveries include paw prints left in the earth and claw marks on trees. Hobel would like to continue his search and strategically place cameras throughout the region. He would also like to examine traces that a big cat may leave behind. At the meeting, the Town Supervisor said that the town will foot the bill for $2500 of the estimated cost of $6000 which would be allocated for the purchase of cameras and the implementation of a continued search. At this time, the balance of money needed is to be funded by local concerned citizens.