MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has taken a report from the owner of a 10-year-old cougar stating the animal escaped from its pen and is at large. The cougar was last seen in its pen Thursday evening on Kaylor Road in eastern Knox County.

The animal is beige colored with white on the front of its neck and weighs 70 pounds. The animal is declawed in the front.

Any sightings or information on this missing animal should be directed to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 397-3333.

Knox County Sheriff David Barber cautions citizens not to approach the animal if spotted.