Reports come from Winslow Township near Hammonton.
UPDATE: DEP says it was a house cat
WINSLOW TWP. -- Reports of "large cat" sightings in Winslow Township near the Hammonton border are prompting warnings for local residents.
Winslow officials said Monday that the possible mountain lion sightings -- including a grainy video and photograph taken with a hunter's game camera -- have been sent to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's fish and wildlife division.
"It is not possible to determine with certainty what the animals are but we can't rule out the presence of a large cat or cats," Winslow Township officials said. "Mountain lions were indigenous at one time in this area but have not existed naturally here for many years."
Winslow's animal control department could not immediately be reached for comment Monday regarding the photos and video. A Facebook user's September 2016 photo of the supposed mountain lion indicates the photo was taken near Mr. Bill's ice cream shop along Route 73.
Bear sightings in Winslow Township
Officials say there have been no reports of contact between the animals and people and it would appear that if the sightings are true, the animals are avoiding contact with humans and do not presently pose a threat. However, it is suggested that those in the area of the sightings use "sound judgment and reasonable precautions" for pets and themselves.
Readers are asked to report sightings or evidence by calling Winslow Township's animal control department at 609-567-0700 ext. 1500.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
