Their conclusions (from their report) were:

-Based on the compression shapes of the tracks, the lack of claw registration, and the gait pattern measurements of the tracks that were investigated, they believe that these tracks were made by a feline that is approximately the size and weight of a young adult Mountain Lion.

-Based on the knowledge of the age of the tracks found at Alice Gerard's residence, and at the housing development at Kopec Lane, they believe this feline has been in and around the town of Palisades in the past two weeks at these locations.

-Based on the lack of an abundance of tracks in any one area, they believe that the feline is not frequenting any one specific area with regularity. Although the lack of a common destination or pattern of behavior around town supports the theory that this animal is a once domestic animal which has become feral, they cannot say that there is enough evidence collected to outline a trapping or containment program.

Their recommendations are:

-That citizens of Orangetown continue to exercise caution when walking outside at night and that they keep small children close at hand during those times.

-That the Town of Orangetown continue to use cameras which were purchased for this project, with particular emphasis on the Palisades boundary with Tallman and on the banks of the Hudson River.

-That competent authorities continue to monitor the southern edge of Tallman and the eastern edge of Tallman along the Hudson for signs of this animal, as the landscape, tracks and sightings suggest this is a possible habitat area for a large cat.

-That the Town and State officials continue to be vigilant, and respond to sightings or events related to this animal.

The six cameras were made available to Shane on Thursday, August 6. Shane and Donna began placing cameras in strategic locations on Thursday and completed the installations on Friday. That allowed only three days of camera monitoring.

The camera photographed native animals, deer, raccoon, etc. No large black felines.

It was Tracker SFI's understanding that their two weeks concluded at this Board meeting August 10. Not knowing if their services would be continued, they removed the cameras and brought them to the meeting since the cameras belonged to the Town. The Board requested that Shane reinstall the cameras.

Palisadians who spoke focused on three issues:

-That Tracker SFI's services should be continued in some manner for tracking and camera monitoring.

-That access to Tallman Park is critical. Since tracking permission was denied to Tracker SFI, the Town would need to intervene to gain access to Tallman

-Reiterated the concern and possible danger of a non-native animal living in a residential area.

We agreed with Dennis Troy's suggestion that if capture is the goal and DEC is the organization that does that, then why not try to convince the DEC to cage/trap it without the proof of photographs. We agreed that if the Town could convince the DEC that would be great. Because the reality is even with all our efforts, we may never obtain a photo of this elusive animal.

It was voted by the Board that Tracker SFI would be retained in some manner that would satisfy Superintendent Kleiner.

The next few weeks are difficult for Tracker SFI to give thorough coverage, because of previous commitments.

Post-meeting discussions determined that since:

-The animal has not been seen since mid-July

-There are a lack of recent tracks

-Tracker SFI is available for limited time for the next few weeks

-Access is denied in Tallman,

it may be a more efficient use of time and finances to continue at the time of the next sighting.

All has not been for naught:

-We now have cameras ready for action when we need them.

-We have cameras in the field now taking photos.

-The Town will secure critical access to Tallman

-Wildlife "highways" have been mapped which will be helpful when identifying locations of cameras and cages.

Thom Kleiner e-mailed this morning that permission has been granted for Tracker SFI to track in Tallman.

We are grateful to the Palisades residents and other concerned people who took the time to attend the meeting. Thank you for coming!

Make note: EYEWITNESSES ONLY, to report a sighting, contact all 3: Palisades Park Police (PIP) @ 786-2781 SO Police @ 359-3730 ext 3 or 911 Shane Hobel (tracker) @ 629-4866

And the Panther hotline: carolbaxter7@gmail.com

Keep your camera handy and take a photo!