Bait changed as traps fail to catch big cat on Maui
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau
OLINDA, Maui — Despite beefing up trapping efforts, state wildlife crews came up empty yesterday in their attempt to capture the mysterious big cat believed to be in this rural Upcountry community.
The traps were filled with chicken fryers, a new bait officials hope is tastier than the beef hearts placed in the first trap, set up weeks ago. Chicken was chosen because of evidence the big cat — believed to be a leopard or a jaguar — is feeding on doves, officials said.
"Who knows how long this could go on?" said Mele Fong of the Maui Invasive Species Committee.
Meanwhile, neighbors report growing anxiety in this quiet community on the slopes above Makawao, a picturesque area of pastureland, old-style residences, horse country and million-dollar estates.
"We haven't seen anything or heard anything, but there's an overall feeling in the neighborhood that something is wrong," said Tom Fahsholtz, whose home overlooks the gulch.
Fahsholtz said his family had become much more aware of their surroundings amid mounting evidence the big cat is real.
"That gulch is scary," said his wife, Lee. "I wouldn't even think about going down in there."
Across the gulch, Hugh Starr brought out his rifle recently and cleaned it. He ordinarily keeps the ammunition separate, but now the rifle and shells are by his side.
"The other night, it was late and I was walking between my office and the house, and a lime dropped off the tree and it startled me," Starr said.
Mardi Swatek said she's always looking out for the big cat when she's out wandering her four acres. But she said she feels safe in the company of her two pit bulls and when horseback riding.
"When horses' ears perk up, I'm wondering, 'Is that the cougar?' But I haven't seen it," she said.
At Seabury Hall, in the vicinity of several big-cat sightings, Headmaster Joe Schmidt said he feels no fear. He walks the rural roads near the school and headmaster's house every morning.
"I'm in my backyard at night all the time, and I feel no nervousness," he said.
Nevertheless, he has instructed school personnel to keep a sharp lookout for the animal during the summer session.
There have been reports of a cat-like animal stalking Olinda almost every month since mid-December. Ten recent reports include six sightings within a two-mile radius.
Officials said they plan to check the traps at least daily. "Otherwise, human activity in the area will be kept to an absolute minimum for the time being, in hopes that the large cat will enter the trap," the DNLR said in statement yesterday.
Officials continue to urge Olinda residents to report any sightings or sounds from the creature to state Division of Forestry and Wildlife biologist Fern Duvall at (808) 873-3502 or (808) 984-8100. After 4:30 p.m. or on weekends, call the police nonemergency number at (808) 244-6400.
Contact Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
