CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities in Calhoun County say the search for big cats near Swansea triggered by unconfirmed sightings has now been suspended.
Calhoun County deputies said in a social media post late Tuesday that no evidence has been discovered to confirm the presence of a big cat. However, the note said people should "remain vigilant" and call 911 if they see one of the animals.
Calhoun Sheriff Thomas Summers said earlier that since the weekend they've had calls of people saying they believed they saw large cats. The department posted on Facebook Tuesday they had gone to a scene near Valley Ridge Road, which is around the Swansea area near the Calhoun and Lexington County line.
Summers said the best advice for people in the area is to be aware, stay indoors, and if they see an animal, call 9-1-1.
A spokesperson for Lexington County government said dispatchers had also gotten one report of a sighting, but much like in Calhoun County, there was no verification.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is also looking into the reports.