McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — A tiger that went missing from a Mexican zoo could have made its way across into South Texas, but law enforcement officials said Friday they have no proof.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have informed our deputies to remain vigilant and alert during their patrols. We currently have no information suggesting that the tiger has crossed the river into our county, but it remains a possibility,” Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Enrique Longoria said in a statement.
The tiger was reported missing earlier this week from the Quinta La Fauna zoo in Reynosa, Mexico.
The zoo is now closed until further notice, according to the zoo’s Facebook page.
Officials quickly warned residents on both sides of the border to be on the lookout for the tiger.
Tigers can swim up to seven miles per day and can easily cross river’s four miles wide.
The Rio Grande is about 50 yards across from Reynosa to the South Texas border city of Hidalgo.
“There have been no reported sightings of the tiger, nor have there been any reports of domestic animals being killed or injured,” Longoria said.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.