Durham police are warning Pickering residents of a possible mountain lion on the loose.
"We have heard of two independent reports describing an animal similar to a mountain lion, obviously we have to take that seriously," Durham Regional Police spokesman Dave Selby said.
Both sightings were in the area of Douglas Park in the Liverpool Rd. and Bayly St. area.
The first report was made to Pickering Animal Services on Oct. 16 by an adult walking in the park. The agency received a second report from a 12-year-old boy on Wednesday.
"It could very well be an exotic pet on the loose," Selby said. "Years ago, we had tiger sightings reported and it turns out someone was keeping a tiger as an exotic pet and it broke free, so that's definitely a possibility."
Native mountain lions, or cougars, have not been seen in Ontario since 1884, Ministry of Natural Resources spokesman John Cooper said.
He advises residents in the area to be alert to wildlife, to travel in groups and to stay out out of wooded areas at dusk and dawn.
"It's also a good idea to carry a whistle and use it to scare off the animal," Cooper said. "If you see an animal that you feel threatened by, call 911 immediately."
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Durham police at 1-888-579-1520.