African Serval Found in Louisiana Backyard During House Fire Response

Louisiana firefighters discovered an African serval, a wildcat native to sub-Saharan Africa, illegally kept in an enclosure behind a home in Marrero while responding to a minor house fire. The animal was found in a cramped, chain-linked cage.

Officials from local animal protection services were alerted to the serval's presence. The wildcat has since been transferred to an animal welfare facility, where efforts are underway to find a suitable environment for it. The discovery highlights concerns about the illegal keeping of exotic animals.