Man accused of stealing bobcat from Pennsylvania animal farm

Police arrested a man Friday afternoon on suspicion of stealing a 22-year-old bobcat from the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm in Smithfield Township.

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In a news release, authorities said the man was caught on camera taking a North American bobcat named Blanche after he walked through the unlocked main entrance of the animal farm around 10:15 a.m. Friday.

Jon Lowris, whose family owns the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm, told the Pocono Record that an employee left the business’ front door unlocked on Thursday night. He described Blanche as a sweet, elderly cat who takes medication for arthritis and a heart condition.

He told the Record that an employee called him, frantic, after finding Blanche missing with a $50 bill in her place a short while after the theft.

“I didn’t believe her at first. Like, what?” Lowris said, according to the Record. “It’s unbelievable.”

Video of the theft showed the man struggling with Blanche in the parking lot, officials said. Pocono Snake and Animal Farm employees found chunks of hair and broken claw in the area, the Record reported.

Pennsylvania State Police said Blanche was recovered Friday afternoon, and a suspect was taken into custody.

“We’re stabilizing (Blanche) and making sure she’s not dehydrated for the two-and-a-half-hour trip to see the exotic veterinarian,” Lowris told the Record. “We’ll get her checked out and make sure she’s OK.”

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