Search called off for loose Cheetah wandering British Columbia

CRESTON, British Columbia, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Authorities in British Columbia said they called off the search for a loose cheetah photographed next to a highway due to weather.

The cheetah was spotted Thursday by a motorist driving on Highway 3A near Creston and the driver stopped to snap pictures of the big cat, which appeared to be wearing an orange scarf or cloth collar.

"The Creston RCMP immediately consulted with the British Columbia Conservation Services, both agencies have been working together since the sighting in attempts to safely locate the animal. Authorities would also like to speak to the big cat's custodian," The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a news release.

The RCMP said the search was called off during the weekend due to snowy conditions in the area.

Inspector Joe Caravetta with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said members of the public are being asked to alert authorities if the spotted cat is seen again.

Doug Bos of the Discovery Wildlife Park in Alberta said the cheetah's markings match those of an adult female named "Annie Rose," which was brought to the facility in 2013, but was removed in 2014.

Bos said Annie raised safety concerns at the zoo.

"That cheetah will stalk little kids," Bos told CBC News.

Bos said the cheetah was privately owned and authorities are seeking to contact her owners.

Cheetahs are considered a "controlled alien species" and are illegal to keep in British Columbia.