Reward For Mystery Lion
Reward For Mystery Lion Save Email Print
Posted: 5:50 AM Nov 1, 2007
Last Updated: 1:08 PM Nov 1, 2007
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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If an African lion is roaming the mountains of southeastern West Virginia, Angus Peyton wants it captured, not killed.

Peyton is offering a $3,000 award for the safe and humane capture of the lion.

He also wants the animal to be placed in refuge.

The Charleston broker says he fears someone may try to shoot the lion.

Bow hunter Jim Shortridge swears he saw a male African lion weighing between 250 and 300 pounds at the foot of Cold Knob Mountain earlier this month.

Rainelle-based Tiger Mountain Refuge and Greenbrier County animal control officer Robert McClung have placed motion-sensitive video cameras in that area in hopes of getting an image of the lion.

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Posted by: Unknown on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I can't believe that most of you people are acting completely immature. Maybe you guys should grow the heck up or get a life. Honestly, cracking rude comments that are befitting of not even five year olds is pathetic, especially if you "claim to be an adult". The whole reason for this comment box is for people to be able to send additional information about the subject, not be a wise-***. As for the story, I heard about it and there could very well be a lion roaming around, there are tons of animals that have been abandoned or turned loose for random reasons (mostly because the owner no longer can feed or house it). $3,000 is not a bad reward either, it does not take that much to simply have a tranquilizer gun or the means to capture it IF you can first find it. If it has survived the winter it is probably doing find and wild animals like that would be pretty hard to track down in dense bush and forests like we have around here. If it's bred with some other big cats,kudos to a new type

Posted by: Luna on Apr 1, 2008 at 09:59 AM
We've seen plenty of animals that have 'gotten loose' even here in WI. One guy owned an alligator in his house and turned it loose in the river. A shark survived a trip up the Mississippi river in a barge and ended up adapting to a lake and growing strange 'salamander gills' to filter the water. Cougars, lions, panthers, miniature 'pet' tigers people have owned. Many of them do not want to 'claim' the animals because of all the fines and charges that they will have to face, so the odds of anyone 'claiming it' are pretty slim. There is plenty enough for animals like that to survive with, and they would go after livestock or easier animals rather than someone's kids first; but you never know if a rare case might happen that someone might get hurt. Sadly, shooting the lion or any other creature is something that is questionable, it is really the 'owners' responsibility to take care of or claim any animal that has gotten away.How would you like someone shooting you for such a stupid reason

Posted by: CLYDE on Dec 19, 2007 at 06:14 AM
I wont forget of Bigfoot near Rt 60 near Meadow River crook last November 2005.Cant promise because I did not have any comera and video tape.That was too late.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Call $2.00 Danny he will tax it!! King Kent will Talk it in.

Posted by: GoEERS on Dec 7, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Don't worry if you shoot the lion, JAY ROCKEFELLER will give you retroactive immunity from the law. Oh wait, that's only for giant corporations that donate money to his campaign. You are just a lowly tax payer.

Posted by: Mark on Nov 30, 2007 at 09:36 AM
I've read most of these comments, and some of you people are having too much fun being silly. My question is, if anyone is seeing this Big Cat, go to where you seen it, look for foot prints, and take a plaster of Paris mold of it, and there is your proof. Too easy right? Also, you people need to stop your ill remarks about folks from W.V. Come over here to the Middle East, if you want to really see stupid people. God really did Bless AMERICA. Say a prayer for all of the American Military, and Civilians overseas fighting this crazy war.

Posted by: jacob on Nov 21, 2007 at 10:02 AM
have you caught the lion yet

Posted by: WV RAISED on Nov 12, 2007 at 07:27 PM
I THINK THE LION CAME FROM THE TIGER MOUNTAIN REFUGE IN GREENBRIER COUNTY WV. I ALSO THINK THE OWNERS KNOW THAT IT IS THEIRS. TIGER MOUNTAIN REFUGE IS THE ONLY PLACE IT COULD HAVE CAME FROM. THEY SAY IT IS NOT ONE OF THEIRS BUT I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE PROOF THAT IT IS NOT.THEY ALSO SAY THAT IT WILL NOT SURVIVE THE FIRST SNOW FALL HERE.WE ALL KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE IN THEIR REFUGE THE CAT'S ARE IN OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES.ANIMALS ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE VERY FAST AND EASY.

Posted by: observation on Nov 11, 2007 at 08:00 PM
this has happened in the past, a few years ago in the midwest a man was in the lawn with his kids and saw a lion come over the hill, he then got his rifle and killed the lion protecting anyone the lion would have come across

Posted by: OhioResident on Nov 6, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Please go to this website: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/04/national/main615499.shtml and read the article "LION ON THE LOOSE IN OHIO from May 2004. I think the West Virginia Lion was here a few years ago.

Posted by: michelle on Nov 5, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Just about everyone one that has left a comment refering to the lion are nothing but idiots, like one lady said a bunch of sarcastic idiots. There is a lion in WV, I know some people that lives in that area and he has been spotted!! So for everyone wanting to get Bigfoot, the Lochness monster and all of the characters from the Wizard of Oz maybe you should pick them up with the all of the idiots leaving stupid $#@ remarks and drive on to the crazy house..it would be a good place for ya!!

Posted by: Andrew on Nov 4, 2007 at 07:49 AM
Ok, it is time to make a decision. If this lion is out there, Kids are at risk. Take a high powered rifle and do what needs to be done. Our Children are much more important than a lion.

Posted by: Greg on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:43 PM
My dad grew up in Montgomery and saw mountain lions as a kid all the time, so there are still "things" out there. Here north of Atlanta a couple of years ago there were two "Ligers" (Lion/Tiger cross-bred hybrids) that got loose and they were never caught, though they were photographed by people. They were (legally) owned by someone who had a license to do so, but regardless, they got loose. Lots of people own legal AND illegal exotic cats, as well as bears and monkeys, etc. They do get loose. It wouldn't surprise me if that's what's going on here, and that yep, it's real.

Posted by: anon on Nov 3, 2007 at 07:22 PM
how does anyone Not know that there is a lion? were you there? i didn't think so. Think about all these people who own exotic animals. I myself walked outside at work one night and saw a cougar sitting in the passenger side of a guys truck, so who knows. I find it very probable that this is an escapee animal that someone didn't report.

Posted by: Big B on Nov 3, 2007 at 05:04 PM
Dorothy and the Tin Man also have a reward out for thier friend.

Posted by: King of the jungle on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Pam it is rumor. Dollars to beans there isn't a Lion running around. Kind a like the Moth man. Maybe we'll get another movie.

Posted by: Pam on Nov 3, 2007 at 02:05 AM
R there any 'CARING, HUMANS' in WILD< WONDERFUL WV??????? Please think bout, ANIMALS have feelings, just as HUMANS!!!!!!He is scared,hungary,PLEASE DO NOT HARM THIS CAT!!!!!!!

Posted by: anonymous on Nov 3, 2007 at 01:08 AM
Human Beings safty comes first not a lion! What about the kids that have to stand and wait on school buses! This has families frightened! So who ever shoots it,don't blame them! Who ever this lion belongs to should be charged with a crime!

Posted by: Anon on Nov 3, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Protect your families and kids from this beast!

Posted by: King of the jungle on Nov 3, 2007 at 12:42 AM
The last time I heard of exotic animal in WV, which was a gator all DNR said not to worry because there was plenty of fish in 12 pole for it to feed on. So wouldn't that mean not to worry we have plenty of white tail for the King of the beast to feed on. What an idea. LMAO For all the hunters YEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAW

Posted by: Jewell on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:44 PM
I am so sick of the sarcastic uneducated remarks made about West Virginia!! Say what you want, being a West Virginian is something to be very proud of!! I can't even imagine living anywhere else!! I love WV.

Posted by: any one on Nov 2, 2007 at 08:43 PM
how did a lion end up in wv???? n-y-ways...i think it is there to meet with big foot for a tea party....(lol).....mabe it is all lie just advertising wv.....kill the darn thing and get it over with.....

Posted by: Hillary Clinton on Nov 2, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Hopefully the Lion will roam East into DC and eat the evil out of the White House. If not, I guess I will do this next year.

Posted by: living in mingo on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Yeah, thats right I'm driving Bigfoot up for the PETA Rally, think maybe I should drive over and pick up the WV Lion... He may need the ride... Hahahhahaha!

Posted by: jackie on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:30 PM
smegma,dont hate democrats just because the best man for the job is about to take back the governor;s office!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: jackie on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:18 PM
bill what in the world is a post office democrat!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:29 PM
its the coal company that turned it loose

Posted by: Shana on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:00 PM
I once listened to a radio news report of a kangaroo lost in the West Virgina woods. The kangaroo may have been funny, but the lion may be more deadly than a bear! Every one needs to keep an eye out for that lion. It seems like some people are not believing this, and they need to take this situation more seriously.

Posted by: Free Mr. Lion on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Rumor has it that the Moth Man, Big Foot, Loch Ness, and our own WV Lion will be having a PETA rally and march in Charleston this weekend. Everyone should come out to see it. You people will believe anything!

Posted by: dody on Nov 2, 2007 at 03:47 PM
all i have to say is....here kitty kitty , here kitty kitty, my parents always said i cpould have one when i moved away

Posted by: living in mingo on Nov 2, 2007 at 03:23 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHHAA!!!! forget the WAR, we got a Lion on the run!!!! Only in WV!!!!! HahahahhaHAHAHAHAhahaha!

Posted by: eb on Nov 2, 2007 at 01:43 PM
OH !! PLEASE SOME ONE CALL JEFF CORWIN TO CAPTURE THIS BEAST FOR USE

Posted by: OHIORESIDENT on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Ohio called......"WE WANT OUR LION BACK!!"

Posted by: rip van winkle on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:07 AM
if i kill that thing its going on my wall and my dinner table. forget deer meat loin meat

Posted by: John on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Speaking of wild cats in WV. I've been hearing about sightings of wild black panthers in Jackson and Mason counties. I'm not kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted by: Sam on Nov 2, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Since the Lion is in West Virginia I hope he does not take a "WRONG TURN" and (meat) up with the wrong people he might get eaten. GO WEST VIRGINIA!

Posted by: Bill on Nov 2, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Send the lion to Eastern Ky. We can feed it some of these Post-Office Democrats.We would save the fed goverment millions.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:52 AM
I agree with Rabban. To the idiot posting from Florida...I lived in Apollo Beach, Fl for years. My husband worked at Tampa Electric on the barges and when those barges came back from a grain run overseas...they brought back huge lizards and other things that herpatologists had a time identifying. When they opened hatches...massive dragonflies would fly out. Anything anymore is possible to be anywhere. People do in fact buy these as "exotic" pets and it's a sad fact but they do turn them loose.

Posted by: BOO on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Name him the "KING".I think someone was dreaming and woke up and really thought it was true, do I think it is true.....NOT.

Posted by: lion_lover on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:40 AM
Hey what a great idea I am going to the ZOO on Monday just maybe I can sneak one of them out stuff it in my trunk and collect the reward that would make for a sweet Christmas for my kids!

Posted by: J. on Nov 2, 2007 at 04:39 AM
Why capture it, let it roam. As a matter of fact, release a few more and maybe they will solve our white tail deer over population and bring our insurance rates down.

Posted by: Yyyeah on Nov 2, 2007 at 02:15 AM
$3000 is pretty low. I'm gonna laugh when someone tries to steal a lion from a zoo so they can collect the reward.

Posted by: ton on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Ihope they up the reward so some of our fine citizens wont shoot him just to have something to talk about.

Posted by: TruthHurts on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:07 PM
WSAZ should hold a poll to name the Lion!!! I VOTE MR. WHISKERS!! lol if its male

Posted by: Jewell on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:28 PM
I couldn't agree more, this lion sure picked a beautiful state to call home!! Welcome to Wild & Wonderful WV. Mr. Lion!! Sure would love to see this animal.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Well, we did just rename our state "Wild" and Wonderful.....

Posted by: green on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:05 PM
I seem to recall hearing a similar story several years ago. Nothing ever came of it then. However, if there really is some possible way a lion is wandering around I hope they can catch it without harming it if possible.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Seems like this lion has become quite the celebrity...Perhaps we should name him Jesico. ~<*t*>~

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:29 PM
I swear i remember a story like that maybe 15 years ago , like a lion lose on cambells creek , they never found that one either lol

Posted by: aaron on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:00 PM
"Put 'em up...put 'em up!" Wow.

Posted by: Rich on Nov 1, 2007 at 07:24 PM
I think if ol' Jim had been close enough to weigh the beast, he'd have been dinner, so I'm a bit skeptical. A real African lion would have been twice that big, anyway. WOnder how long until some hunter shoots another thinking its ol' BigPaw.

Posted by: Festus on Nov 1, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Leave the lion alone. He can wander around and rid the state of thousand pound Hogzillas and the people who love them.

Posted by: Wes on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:48 PM
RRRRROOOAAARRR!!!

Posted by: cindy on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:45 PM
If someone is STUPID enough to have a lion as a pet that got loose, then there are the consenquenses for the poor animal owned by the IDIOT.

Posted by: niftyswell on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:34 PM
I wonder how long it has been out there? When my family and I moved to VA 6 years ago-May of 2001, I saw something cross I-64 in WV with a very long lionish tail. I woke up my wife who was sleeping in the passenger seat and she thought I was absolutely crazy. I asked if there were mountain lions in that state and if they looked more like an African lion... vindicated at last!!! Unless it has only recently been loose. Never seen UFO's, never saw a ghost, never even saw bigfoot...but I saw that Lion once!

Posted by: Napolean D on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:28 PM
It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic. -Napolean Dynamite

Posted by: Diana on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Ok... Three grand for catching a lion? Hmmm would I really risk my life for 3 grand? Sounds cheap to me!

Posted by: Ruff on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Maybe we can get Dog the Bounty Hunter to talk him into turning himself in.

Posted by: Johanna on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Hey Johanna! It's rare to see that name, Johanna...

Posted by: Harry Balzak on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:33 PM
It sounds like a juvenile lion. Isn't an amber alert in order if it cannot be found????

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:16 PM
I think the man is (lion) about the lion to advertize the area.

Posted by: phil on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:00 PM
It's George Bush's fault.

Posted by: Super Chicken on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Eat more lion. Save the life of an innocent chicken.

Posted by: JediPeaceFrog on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:52 PM
I can't believe there's no liberal here saying that a lost lion is Bush's fault!! Oh wait....if it kills somebody, then it's Bush's fault. My bad.

Posted by: Ron on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I didn't know Dennis Kucinech bow hunted. "I was sitting in my treestand, there were bright lights like a UFO or something, and there he was, an African lion..."

Posted by: Dano on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Can someone HELP ME..... I lost my kittie cat

Posted by: Eddie on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Gee, the "Gahanna Lion" has moved toward the east :) Maybe he's looking for Bigfoot!

Posted by: gus on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Why not? In September they filmed a juvenile bigfoot at at deer feeder in Northwestern Pa., now all we need is Alice and the Tin Man and we could all go down the rabbit hole together

Posted by: Greg on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I hope he doesn't make a mistake and find himself inside the Charleston City limits because Danny will charge him a $2.00 user few!!!!

Posted by: Rabban on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Interesting how many idiots we have posting here. Anyway, its not impossible to think a lion could escape from someone's private zoo or refuge. And tracking them isn't as easy as you might think, especially with leaves on the ground. Granted, there's going to have to be some evidence such as scat and dead carcasses of deer and cattle (depending on whether or not he's wild or raised in captivity). There's a lot of variables to consider. But besides that, I'm kinda sick of the WVian stereotypes that are being promoted by some jerks here. Wake up and realize that we're ALL living in the 21st century, not just the pansy urbanites.

Posted by: Traveler on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:56 PM
I lived in CA when reports started circulating of a tiger: half the people said it must be a hoax since no one reported missing a tiger, while the other half freaked out and insisted the wildlife officials track it down and kill it immediately before it ate their children. In the end, there was a real tiger, and the officers did shoot it in a panic, even though it turned out the poor thing was practically toothless. It was a tragic debacle. I hope for more reasoned action if there is indeed an exotic cat loose in WV. A lion should not be considered a threat any more than other large predators -- if it even exists. Especially as there have not been any reports of missing livestock or pets (and seriously, any predator would go after them before a human). At least in WV people are a little more familiar with wildlife, so maybe they will not overreact. Maybe.

Posted by: riley on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:52 PM
I would say that guy that saw the lion was making moonshine and maybe drank a little too much.

Posted by: blippo on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:46 PM
The bow hunter wasn't a dope smoker who imagined this, was he?

Posted by: Dolph on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Lions? and Tigers? and Bears? Oh My!!!

Posted by: Zinger on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Might be true. Most people would be shocked to know how many people get the silly notion they want an exotic pet. There are hundreds of mountain lions in this country that are owned by private citizens. They're sooooo cute when 6 weeks old. Some of them figure out big cats don't make good pets and just turn them loose. Or the animal escapes and is never reported. Being raised in captivity, big cats usually don't fare well in the wild. Most reports turn out bogus . . . but some turn out to be true.

Posted by: Tom on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:34 PM
It's West Virginia. Are they sure it wasn't Bigfoot.

Posted by: Super Chuck on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Bag the Lion!!!! Before it mauls somebody's kid....

Posted by: Jack on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:11 PM
The lion may be cowardly.

Posted by: Ken on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:04 PM
For all the skeptics, maybe it's a lion that escaped captivity...we all know it wasn't born there

Posted by: Jarid Currie on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:59 PM
make a fine trophy kill with a bow!

Posted by: Napoleon on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:47 PM
It would be sweet if it mated with a Couger. Then it would have Louger babies. Which are bred by the Mythical Mountain Gnomes of Lang Lang for their skills in Magic and killing babies

Posted by: toothpik on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Attention bloggers: The lion hunt is officially over in WV. For the record, african cat taste just like chicken.

Posted by: Circkleberger on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:39 PM
Witnesses say the lion was seen speeding away from the scene in an SUV. Apparently, he is rather amiable. He was reported to have been friendly to the staff of a pet store, where he stopped by to take a leak.

Posted by: Homer Sectshull on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Lyon came up on rocky top close to my moonshine still. Lyon aint come down from Rocky top Reckon' he never will.

Posted by: George on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:11 PM
Heck, that ain't no Lion. It's a Harley Rider without his doo rag on.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Until someone gets a picture, don't believe it. We hear these stories all the time and 99.99 percent of the time they're fake. As for it mating with the local wildlife? Not much chance of that.

Posted by: wayne on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:51 PM
further effects of global warming no doubt!

Posted by: Joaquin on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Those boys are hitting the shine again!

Posted by: Mike on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:28 PM
It would make a nice throw rug.

Posted by: Smegma on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:23 PM
It's obviously a Democrat. Wandering aimlessly with no plan, living (free) off the land, not paying taxes, etc.

Posted by: Liz on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Well, at least Alderson, WV, was thinking ahead. Supposedly, there's a law already on the books about walking your lion in public there.

Posted by: Bob on Nov 1, 2007 at 01:06 PM
One guy makes a wild claim like this and the government takes it seriously! Wow, I just, aw, seen a Polar Bear outside my window here in Oregon!

Posted by: sissy on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:53 PM
If it does mate with a native West Virginian, let's name it VERISA (for stupid)!!

Posted by: Me on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:50 PM
LOL Jack!!!

Posted by: Bud on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Dont worry Jack if he crosses with a native West Virginia the hybrid wont have any theeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Simon on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:43 PM
If indeed the animal weights 250 pounds, where are the tracks? Easy to spot, if the story is true.

Posted by: Mark on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I want it to mate with my kitty, cause she's real skidish. Then I can have a tough cat to catch mice and cave crickets in my house.

Posted by: kevin on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Come on, there's no lion. Get real, it's Bigfoot!!

Posted by: Jim on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:14 PM
This is crazier than the Wayne County Gator!!!!!!

Posted by: Friend of Animals on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Please do not harm this animal. We must remmeber that we share our world with animals. I implore anyone attempting to rescue this lion to use safe and humane methods. What a beautiful animal.

Posted by: DAKTARI on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:38 AM
My wife and I went to the family camp last weekend which is at the foot of Cold Knob. We talked to a neighbor who lives there full time and they said their horses haven't shown the smallest sign of being spooked but who knows. We drove up to the top of the knob and saw nothing but alot more curious people, like ourselves, looking for the savage beast. Never seen that many cars up there ! Where is Marlin Perkins when ya need him ?! L

Posted by: Festus on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Captured alive in West Virginia? Good luck beating the 10,000 yahoos out there right now trying to be the first to shoot it.

Posted by: Jeff on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:26 AM
African Lions weigh in at triple his estimate or more. Nice Cougar though--about the right size for that.

Posted by: scott on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Methinks someone is "lyin'"

Posted by: Limo Bob on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Quite possible this may be a hoax. If it is, it's lible to cost the state tax-payers a lot of time and money. If fact, well....good luck. - Glad I'm in Florida.

Posted by: John on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Yeah, lions can travel far, but only if they need to: say, for food. Otherwise they stick to the same territory. While we're at it, let's give him a name. Anyone have any suggestions. Maybe something like "Pat", or "Chris", i case "he" turns out actually to be a "she".

Posted by: Patti Stokes on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:12 AM
I done seen a linon in my holler last week!!! My hubby pulled out a 10 gague and tryed to shoots it. I wonder why god put a lion in west virginia... god is great!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Did anyone check to see how much peach brandy or other adult beverage that bow hunter had consumed the day he claims to have seen the lion? This sure sounds like a variation on the Big Foot theme.

Posted by: Craig on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:08 AM
It's a non-native species. And a dangerous one. Shoot to kill - but make sure you have enough weapon!

Posted by: TO DAVE on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:01 AM
MAYBE YOU SHOULD BE THE BRAVE ONE TO WEAR A RAW MEAT OUTFIT AND WAIT FOR MR. LION! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS IN THE WOODS OF WEST VIRGINIA THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS MATTER. I SUPPOSE YOU DONT THINK WE HAVE COYOTES, WILD CATS, MOUNTAIN LIONS OR BEARS EITHER.

Posted by: Johanna on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:00 AM
This country is going down hill. Lions roaming where strip malls should be... Today is a sad day for Americans.

Posted by: William on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:50 AM
In Texas we call this a bonuse. Hope someone has a good hunt.

Posted by: Terrance on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:47 AM
The Lion Couldnt have picked a more beautiful location.

Posted by: JB on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:45 AM
How did the lion get loose? From where? Big holes in this story. Keep an eye on your kids folks! He might be hungry.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Someone send Hillary Clinton to look for the lion. Nancy Pelosi, too.

Posted by: Johnny on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:43 AM
It is likely too late to prevent mating. They do this in the late summer/early fall time frame and bear their young in the spring. The new breed will be large, tenacious, hard to track and extremely dangerous. They will also be able to bear more young as the hybrids develop in the next couple of years. This is amazing and says so much about biodiversity.

Posted by: Gwen on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Here, Kitty Kitty. Come on up a few counties- you're welcome here! We already have a panther around here, why not a big ole lion, too?

Posted by: jack on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Please catch the lion before it mates with a native west virginian..... Imagine that hybrid!

Posted by: me on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Maybe it was really bigfoot,or maybe that gator that was lurking around back in the summer, people are so funny.

Posted by: chris on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Seems all this lion talked has created quite an up'roar'.

Posted by: Semour Bhuts on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:30 AM
I saw the lion too! He was walking through the woods with a tin man and a young lady with ruby red shoes.

Posted by: OHIORESIDENT on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:21 AM
CENTRAL OHIO HAD A ROAMING AFRICAN LION BACK IN 2003/2004....IT MAY BE THIS LION HAS FOUND IT'S WAY TO WEST VIRGINIA!

Posted by: Robert on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:17 AM
dang! imagine camping iin the woods and you get eaten by a African Lion, that would not be your day and totally unexpected.

Posted by: Melissa on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Every other comment seems to be acting like a smart --- but it has been seen in the mountains of Campbells Creek for a few years now. They say a man had a "zoo" on the creek somewhere and when he died all his animals were either turned loose or got loose. So this is a very serious situation and could possibly be deadly, however if this male african lion has survived this long thru our cold winters maybe he does have some mountian lion inhim or he has just adapted well, I know he hasn't hurt the deer population any I have seen more deer this year than I have in 18 yrs I have lived on the creek

Posted by: R/Davis on Nov 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM
I certainly hope cool heads will prevail and this lion is humanely caught and taken to a place safe for him. It is humans that cause this. Do Not kill this beautiful animal, but please capture him before someone gets hurt.

Posted by: Darin on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:56 AM
I think someone's a "lion" for sure...

Posted by: dave on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:07 AM
I saw the Lion!!! He said he was going to the Megan Willaims March this weekend!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 08:34 AM
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!THIS IS SO DANGEROUS!!!!!!LIONS TRAVEL HUNDREDS OF MILES FAST!!!!!!! THIS IS VERY SCARY..

Posted by: Verisa Reed on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Please do capture the lion before it mates with the native mountain lions. I shudder to think of the implicaions of that hybrid.

National Headlines - MSNBC.com
  • NYT: Leading clerics defiant on Iran election
    The most important group of religious leaders in Iran called the disputed presidential election and the new government illegitimate on Saturday.
  • Earn our trust or go, Afghans tell GIs

    July 2: A major new offensive in Afghanistan is aimed at a key Taliban stronghold and heroin trafficking center. NBC's Chief Pentagon Correspondent Jim Miklaszewski reports.  (Nightly News)U.S. forces who have moved deep into formerly Taliban-controlled territory in southern Afghanistan this week meet locals who tell them that they won't be won over easily.


  • U.S. misread scale of Honduran rift

    Honduras' President Manuel Zelaya, left, is welcomed by Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez after his arrival in Nicaragua on Monday. Although the U.S. government knew for months that Honduras was on the brink of chaos, officials say they underestimated how fearful some were of president Zelaya and his ally Hugo Chávez.


  • Weary Palin seeks to regain control

    July 4: In a hastily arranged news conference at her home in suburban Wasilla, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abruptly announced she will formally resign from office at the end of the month. NBC’s Lester Holt and Chuck Todd discuss the possible reasons for the lawmaker’s move.  (Today Show)Why did Sarah Palin step down?  Some of the people close to the Alaska governor say she wanted to regain control of a script that slipped out of her hands when she burst onto the national stage.


  • Ex-QB McNair, reported girlfriend found dead

    Police were working Sunday to unravel the relationship between slain former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and his friend, a 20-year-old woman who was found shot to death alongside him in his downtown condominium.


  • Zelaya seeks to return to Honduras

    A police officer receives the baggage of a passenger outside Toncontin International Aiport in Tegucigalpa on Sunday, after flights were cancelled.Exiled Honduran President Manuel Zelaya has announced his imminent departure for home to reclaim his post even though the interim government of Honduras is vowing to prevent his plane from landing.


  • One trip, three different agendas for Obama

    President Barack Obama, with first lady Michelle Obama, will take a weeklong trip to Russia, Italy and Ghana beginning Sunday night. President Obama is onto his next foreign mission: rebuilding relations with Russia, proving to the G-8 that the U.S. is serious about climate change, and outlining his vision for Africa.


  • Russia to U.S.: Compromise on missile defense

    Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the presidential residence Barvikha outside Moscow on Sunday.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in an interview published Sunday that the U.S. must compromise on plans for a European missile defense shield to get a deal on cutting nuclear warheads.


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