The Associated Press  

BERLIN, Ala. (AP) — An adult tiger has been reported roaming in the Berlin community of Cullman County, prompting warnings on what to do if the big cat appears.

The animal, first sighted last Thursday night in the northeast Cullman County area, was still at large Wednesday.

“We’re asking residents of the area to keep an eye out for the big cat, which has been described to us as a full-grown adult male weighing 300 pounds or more,” said Lt. Phillip Patterson of the sheriff’s office.

The animal has been described as wearing a collar, indicating it may have been a pet. But residents were told to consider it dangerous and urged to call animal control or the sheriff’s office if it is sighted.

“You shouldn’t approach the animal, but you don’t want to run from it either,” said animal control officer Tim McKoy. “Fleeing identifies you as prey and could trigger the tiger’s predator instincts.

“Instead, we suggest that you back away slowly. If the animal approaches, holler, wave your hands, pick up a tree branch and wave it anything to make yourself appear larger, much like you would do if you encountered a bear.”

McKoy said the people who saw the animal described it as a Bengal tiger.