A Multnomah County Sheriff's deputy found this "big cat' in the yard of a Southwest Portland home on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. (Courtesy of MCSO)

A seemingly astute neighbor called the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Friday to report a big cat that looked like a “cheetah” in the yard of a Southwest Portland home, not far from the Oregon Zoo.

The caller said the animal was in an elevated position but didn’t appear to be aggressive.

As a deputy, identified by the sheriff’s office only by his last name of Sullivan, drove toward the home he called the zoo to ask if it was missing any big cats. Zoo staff said all animals were accounted for.

When the deputy arrived at the home in the Green Hills neighborhood, he discovered what was really going on, according to a post on Facebook page of the sheriff’s office.

“I used my ninja-like skills to sneak up on the beast,” Sullivan said is quoted as saying. “Of course, it sat there dumbfounded that I was able to get so close for a couple of photos. Turns out it was a stuffed animal!”

A close-up view. (Courtesy of MCSO)

The sheriff’s office didn’t fault the neighbor who reported the creature, saying that “a cheetah in the SW Hills would have caused great panic.”

The sheriff’s office also noted that it’s “not uncommon” for other big cats to be spotted in the area. Just last week, a doorbell surveillance camera caught a cougar strolling back and forth in front of family’s home near Forest Park.

The story of the “cheetah” gave social media users some comic relief.

“I love that the sheriffs can laugh about this,” wrote one user. “...Will make for a great story years from now.”

Wrote another: “It’s 2020 and this was needed.”

“I blame Carol Baskin,” posted another, referring to the Big Cat Rescue owner who acquired worldwide fame in the Netflix series “Tiger King.”

Some agreed the stuffed animal looked like a real live animal from afar.

A view off in the distance. (Courtesy of MCSO)

Other social media users also pointed out the stuffed animal is not meant to resemble a cheetah, rather it is supposed to be a leopard -- with light brown spots outlined by dark brown and no black lines running down from its eyes. Cheetahs are distinguished by solid black spots and black “tear stripes” running down from the inner corner of each eye.

-- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee

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