Indiana Deputies Search for Four Hours After Unconfirmed Lion Report

Authorities in Indiana ended a four-hour search without finding two large animals reportedly seen near the border of Madison and Hancock Counties. Deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department responded at about 10 a.m. Thursday to a report from a property along South County Road 50 West. According to the department, a resident described seeing what appeared to be a roughly 300-pound lioness wearing a blue harness alongside a smaller cub estimated to weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. The resident said the animals were moving southwest before disappearing from view, officials reported. Deputies searched the area with personnel from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police. The operation included ground units and drones equipped with thermal imaging, but no large felines were located. A WXIN-TV report said the animals had previously been spotted by a drone operator. Madison County officials nevertheless emphasized that the reported presence of lions in the area had not been confirmed. The sheriff’s department said no lions had been reported missing from local zoos or sanctuaries. It also said it was unaware of anyone in the area who had a permit to keep lions privately. Although the active search has ended, officials urged residents to remain alert and contact local authorities if they observe unusual animals. No confirmed information about the animals’ whereabouts or ownership was reported.