The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection let the cat out of the bag.
WINSLOW TWP. -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, Monday afternoon regarding the supposed mountain lion sighting here.
DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said that while the department's fish and wildlife division was aware of the photos and video of the creature, it was no "large cat" as local officials cautioned.
"We have formally concluded that this is a house cat," Hajna said.
Bear sightings in Winslow Township
Earlier Monday, township police said it had received reports of a large cat in Winslow Township near the Hammonton border and that a hunter had captured it via "grainy" photo and video that was provided to authorities.
"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 previously said. "Mountain lions were indigenous at one time in this area but have not existed naturally here for many years."
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.