Big cat sightings in Bon Air and Salisbury in Chesterfield County began more than a week ago and continue to roll in at the Chesterfield Police Department. Hysteria grips these close-knit communities, with residents fearful of what may be prowling in their backyards.

What exactly it might be remains in question, with some local media outlets speculating that it might be a black market African lion or tiger somehow gotten loose. Or, perhaps it could be a Mountain Lion that strayed from the western parts of the state.

Chesterfield police dispatchers say they continue to get “a few calls a day” from residents who say they've seen the mysterious animal, described as “a lioness or a bobcat” depending on the caller.

“We haven't actually seen it yet,” says a dispatcher with the department. “It's mythical right now — until we see it.” — Chris Dovi