A LYNX which has escaped from Borth zoo was spotted on a hill near the attraction on Sunday night, it emerged today.

Members of the public have been urged not to approach her despite the zoo saying Lilleth “poses very little threat to the public”.

The zoo and the police said the lynx is unlikely to attack humans unless feeling threatened, but they have warned that she could attack pets or livestock.

A spokesperson said: “There have never been any recorded attacks of a lynx on a human, but they are a wild animal with sharp teeth and claws and will attack if cornered or trapped.

“If you spot her, please do not approach her. Phone the police or contact the zoo straight away. We have fully trained keepers on hand to deal with the situation.”

The spokesperson added: “Lilleth was not captured last night (Sunday) but we did have two confirmed sightings of her on the hill just behind the zoo which means she hasn’t gone far.

“We imagine she will go into hiding during the day and will nest down in some bushes close by. Our keepers will be continuing the hunt today and putting out bait traps so we can hopefully catch her and reunite her with her family.”

Sergeant Gareth Cross said the police force were working together with a range of organisations to find the lynx.

He said: "Attempts to capture the escaped female lynx continue today, with specialists from Ceredigion County Council, Welsh Government and experts from partner zoos working together to humanely capture the animal using traps.

"We believe that the lynx is still in close proximity to Borth Wild Animal Kingdom. There was a confirmed sighting of the animal on the zoo's land, near the enclosure last night.

"The lynx is unlikely to approach people, but may attempt to take livestock or pets as food. We do however advise that the animal should not be approached as it could become aggressive if cornered.

"Police have plans in place for this type of event and specially trained firearms officers are available as a last resort if the animal becomes an immediate risk to the public.

"The neighbourhood policing team will be available outside Borth lifeboat station today to answer questions and take reports of sightings.

"You can also report sightings by calling 101, or if the lynx is in the process of taking an animal, or appears caught or injured, then please call 999."