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Massive manhunt for fat cat in France
02:50 - Source: CNN AP

Story highlights

Feline on the loose in France isn't a tiger after all, authorities say

Residents should still use caution, according to police

"I think it's more afraid than dangerous," resident says

CNN  — 

The big cat spotted in the woods east of Paris isn’t a tiger after all, French authorities said Friday, citing analysis of the beast’s tracks.

Just what kind of feline the French are dealing with remains a bit of a mystery, so police in the Seine-et-Marne department cautioned residents to continue to take care when walking and to avoid wooded areas.

But an official with the National Board of Wildlife and Hunting, Eric Hansen, told CNN affiliate BFM that the cat, whatever it is, poses no danger to people.

Witnesses first reported the feline Thursday in an area not from Disneyland Paris. Park visitors weren’t in any danger, a spokeswoman said.

Police and other officials armed with dart guns hunted the cat all day Thursday without success.

Many French didn’t seem to be seriously worried.

“I think it’s more afraid than dangerous,” Caroline Dos Santos said Friday.

“For me, I think it’s a joke,” Jenny Bel Air said.

But Khalil Mabrouk had a plan.

“If I saw the tiger in the street, I would run away,” he said. “Really.”

CNN’s Jim Bittermann, Albert Putois and Greg Botelho and journalists Marion Lory and Laura Akhoun contributed to this report.