Burke County community on lookout for animal

GLEN ALPINE, NC (AP) — Children are being kept off the playground at a school west of Morganton after police and neighbors spotted signs of a large animal prowling in a wooded area nearby.

WSOC-TV reports Friday that police have set up leg traps behind Glen Alpine Elementary and are trying to bait the animal with deer carcasses.

Neighbors told police they hear “bloodcurdling” cries at night.

Tracks found near the school and nighttime sightings by police using infrared visual equipment indicate the animal could be a large cat weighing 80 pounds or more.

Parents have been notified.

Parent Kelly Lingafelt said she was warned by police to be careful while walking with friends Thursday.
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Information from: WSOC-TV, http://www.wsoctv.com

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