Defying all attempts to trap him, the Outer Banks’ most infamous runaway turned up in Chesapeake this week. But is Rocky — the African serval cat on the run since October — headed back to his Martins Point home?
It doesn’t look that way.
Rocky was spotted on Kathy’s Way in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake this week, not far from the Dismal Swamp, about two weeks after he was last seen in Virginia Beach.
In a Facebook post, Brian Hankins — Rocky’s owner — said he’s worried his cat is too far inland but thinks he’d be safer in the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge instead of traveling roads, overpasses and bridges.
Rocky last escaped from home in Martins Point on Oct. 23, 2018. He is wearing a tracking collar, but the batteries died shortly after his breakout.
Virginia Beach officials and Hankins say Rocky is a domesticated pet, friendly to dogs, people and children.
Since his last escape, Rocky has been spotted many times and caught on security camera footage in Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. Traps have been set and wildlife trackers have worked to find him, but the elusive feline evaded capture. His last escape, by far his longest, came about six months after a breakout early in 2018, which lasted several months.
Serval cats are considered the most successful hunters among African wildcats, but as pets they are known as extraordinary escape artists.
Related stories:
- Rocky remains in Virginia Beach; traps set to capture wayward wildcat
- UPDATED: Va. Beach hatches plan to reel in Rocky the runaway serval
