An extraordinary wildlife alert has been issued in rural Ireland after multiple witnesses reported seeing what appeared to be a fully-grown lion roaming the County Clare countryside.
Mountshaston Residents in Shock
The astonishing sighting occurred near Mountshannon, where locals described seeing a large tan-coloured big cat moving through fields. Gardaí were immediately alerted and have launched a major operation to locate the animal.
"We are treating this report seriously and have deployed resources to investigate," a police spokesperson confirmed.
Specialist Units Join Search
In response to the alarming reports, specialist units including the Armed Support Unit have been dispatched to the area. Police are conducting door-to-door inquiries and searching the surrounding woodland and fields.
Local residents have been advised to remain indoors and avoid approaching any large animals they might encounter. The Department of Agriculture has also been notified of the developing situation.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several independent witnesses reported seeing the animal, with descriptions consistently matching that of a lion. One local resident described the creature as "definitely a big cat - tan coloured and much larger than any dog."
Another witness reported seeing the animal moving through a field near the village, prompting the immediate police response.
Ongoing Investigation
As darkness fell over County Clare, the search continued with police urging anyone with information to contact them immediately. The origin of the animal remains unknown, with authorities investigating all possibilities including escaped private collections or travelling circuses.
The community remains on high alert as one of Ireland's most unusual wildlife incidents continues to unfold.
