Police in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, were in for a surprise when they raided a property on suspicion of drug trafficking and ended up finding two African wildcats on the premises.
The Luzerne County Drug Task Force, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and other local authorities, conducted the raid on June 4 as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal narcotics.
Officers arrived expecting to find evidence related to drug crimes, but what they found along with the drugs were two exotic servals — a wild species native to Africa.
These cats, known for their long legs and spotted coats, are not legal to keep as pets in Pennsylvania without special permits. Officials confirmed that no permits were found.
The animals were discovered while officers executed a search warrant at the home. Alongside the several items, police also recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.
Investigators say the animals were being kept in inappropriate conditions, which led them to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The wildcats were later taken into custody by wildlife officials and transferred to a licensed rescue facility. Authorities are continuing to investigate how the animals were obtained and whether additional wildlife laws were broken.
According to officials, the suspects in the drug case are also likely to face charges related to illegal wildlife possession. Local prosecutors say that the mix of drug activity and illegal animals poses not just a legal issue but a serious public safety risk.
Animal experts explained that servals are not suitable for home environments, especially when unlicensed, as they can be unpredictable and are not domesticated like house cats.
The Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office said the incident serves as a reminder of how often illegal activities overlap and that ongoing operations will continue to target such cases. More details are expected as the investigation continues.