Lynx Found Roaming In Long Island Nabe Gets His Furr-ever Home For The Holidays

HOLTSVILLE, NY — A Eurasian lynx found roaming the streets of Central Islip over the summer has found a new home for the holidays — and beyond — at the Holtsville Ecology Center.

The lynx is believed to be someone's illegal pet that was loose on the streets of Central Islip for three days back in July before being rounded up by wildlife rescuers. It was brought to the Sweetbrier Nature Center in Smithtown but now has been welcomed by the Town of Brookhaven's Highway Department, which runs the ecology center.

The lynx was first noticed by a woman feeding outdoor cats at her back door, according to published reports.

The lynx, which has been dubbed "Leonardo DiCatbrio," was probably frightened and hungry when he was found, Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross said, noting "anything could have happened" because that while the animal appears to be domesticated, he is still wild in nature and unpredictable.

"Leo" was about 35 pounds when he was first captured and now has gained 15 pounds, but he can grow to be about 70 pounds, according to Gross.

He seems very happy at his new home and Gross believes that the move is a good one for him.

When he was at Sweebrier he took a special liking to certain people and would purr and rub up against the fence, Gross explained, adding that when the people would leave, he could be heard crying, so he is very curious and seems to enjoy seeing people come and visit.

The center is the best place for a lynx in captivity to be, Gross said.

"It's got everything in there," he said. "It's got plenty of room to run around. It's got his toys in there. It's very well cared for."

Leo's permanent residence at the center joins him with a menagerie of wild animals and birds, including an American Buffalo, Bald Eagle, and a Bobcat.

Highways Superintendent told News 12's Danielle Campbell that staffers are thrilled "Leo" has come to live at the center.

Losquadro explained that the center started off with one raccoon and it snowballed from there, and over the years, the highway department has worked with the SPCA and the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to bring animals there who need homes.

"For people to be able to come here, see Leo, learn about him, and all the animals here, is really a wonderful thing," he told the outlet.

In the meantime, there is still an ongoing investigation into how "Leo" came to Central Islip and the SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the big cat's former owner, Gross said.

He called it very unfortunate that people come to keep animals like "Leo" as pets.

"It's certainly not fair to the animal," he said. "It's not fair to the people, and it's unsafe.

Eurasian lynx, known as Felidae, are among numerous dangerous animals listed in the state's environmental regulations, according to the SPCA. People can not possess a Eurasian lynx in New York without a special license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Releasing animals into the environment is also a violation of the law and can result in arrest and fines.

According to Article 26 of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, no person shall knowingly own, possess, or harbor any wild animal capable of inflicting bodily harm upon a human or failing to exercise due care in safeguarding the public.

Anyone with information about the lynx is asked to call the SPCA at 631-382-7722 or the DEC at 631-444-0250.

Patch's Maureen Mullarkey and Michael DeSantis contributed additional reporting.