BERKS COUNTY, Pa. — A wildcat that escaped from a Berks County wildlife facility has died after being struck by a vehicle, officials confirmed. The cat was one of three African servals that got loose over the weekend when a windstorm damaged their enclosure at the Cricket Wildlife Center.
According to the center, strong winds knocked a tree onto the serval enclosure, creating an opening large enough for the cats to escape. All three cats were elderly and considered non-aggressive.
Two of the servals were safely captured shortly after the escape. The third remained missing until Monday, when officials learned the animal had been struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
Staff at the wildlife center said they were heartbroken by the loss and emphasized that the cats were not a danger to the community. They also thanked residents who reported sightings and helped with the search.
The wildlife center is now assessing storm damage and reviewing its enclosure safety measures to prevent future incidents
