Search over for wandering cheetah; authorities question person of interest

VANCOUVER -- Conservation officers have called off the search for a cheetah last seen roaming along a highway in British Columbia's Interior late last week.

Insp. Joe Caravetta of the Conservation Officer Service says there have been no reported sightings of the stray cat since it was originally spotted last Thursday.

Caravetta says officials have spoken to one person of interest since the investigation began, but didn't elaborate why they were talking that person.

RCMP notified the public Thursday evening that the big cat had been seen wandering along Highway 3 near Crawford Bay, about 50 kilometres northeast of Nelson.

Caravetta says there is no immediate danger to the public.

He says B.C.'s provincial veterinarian reports it would be difficult for cheetahs to survive any length of time in cold weather without finding heat and food.

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  The cheetah was seen at the side of the road near Kootenay Bay by a motorist who took some pictures of the cat wearing an orange cloth collar and called the RCMP.

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  The cheetah was seen at the side of the road near Kootenay Bay by a motorist who took some pictures of the cat wearing an orange cloth collar and called the RCMP.