Indiana authorities search for reported lioness and cub

Law enforcement agencies in central Indiana conducted a four-hour search on Thursday following reports of a 300-pound lioness and her cub roaming free. The sightings were reported in the vicinity of South County Road 50 West in Jackson Township, potentially spanning northern Hancock County and southern Madison County.

Witnesses provided specific details, including a resident who claimed to see the lioness wearing a blue harness through a window, and a drone operator who reported spotting the animals. In response, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police deployed ground units and drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to locate the predators.

Despite the extensive search, authorities were unable to confirm the presence of the animals and did not make visual contact with them. Officials noted that no lions have been reported missing from local animal sanctuaries, and there are no records of permits for such exotic animals in the affected counties. The incident remains unverified, though authorities have advised residents to remain alert.