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IS MISSING LYNX TRAPPED?

Big cat on the run in Devon has started taking food left out for it

Flaviu fled from his enclosure at Dartmoor Zoo five days ago through a hole it had gnawed in one of the boundary walls

THE missing lynx on the run from a zoo is closer to being captured after it started taking food left out for it.

Dartmoor Zoo founder Ben Mee said he believes Flaviu the Carpathian Lynx is still nearby and will return home soon - despite it disappearing on Thursday.

Flaviu disappeared days after arriving at Dartmoor Zoo on July 6
Flaviu disappeared days after arriving at Dartmoor Zoo on July 6Credit: APEX
Benjamin Mee the owner of Dartmoor Zoo preparing humane traps to catch the Lynx which escaped on Thursday
Benjamin Mee the owner of Dartmoor Zoo preparing humane traps to catch the Lynx which escaped on Thursday

He said: "The search area is the same, we are confident that he is still there because little bits of food have been taken from the key sites."

But the clever big cat has so far evaded capture by nicking meat from traps set up to catch him.

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Desperate staff at the Devon zoo have even resorted to playing lynx noises in an attempt to lure the two-year-old Carpathian back.

It’s believed young Flaviu responded to the noises late on Sunday night – prompting zoo owner Benjamin Mee to order recordings of its mother.

Mr Mee added: "He is getting what he needs and I think the final piece of the puzzle is luring him towards his mother's sound.

Traps have been set for the wild cat, but the lynx has so far evaded its pursuers
Traps have been set for the wild cat, but the lynx has so far evaded its pursuers
The missing lynx – pictured here before it dug its way out – is still on the run
The missing lynx – pictured here before it dug its way out – is still on the runCredit: APEX

"That will give him a reason to come back.

"It's about patience but working out exactly how to bring his attention back to her. We have got the information for that."

Mr Mee repeated his warning to the public not to go searching for Flaviu, saying any amateur attempts to capture her are "beyond unhelpful".

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