[Updated with video. Police, BAMZ and Parks Dept officials attended the Cooper’s Island area after they received a report of what they termed a “large” and “wild animal,” which is now believed to have been a feral cat from St David’s]

The police are on scene at the Cooper’s Island area in St David’s this evening [Aug 28] after what we understand to be a situation involving someone reporting the sighting of a dangerous animal.

What appears to be personnel from the Aquarium and Department of Parks are also on scene. The area has been blocked off, and further details are limited at this time, however we will update as able.

Update 8.40pm: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines confirmed that the police, Dept of Park and staff from BAMZ attended the area after receiving a report of a “wild animal in the area.”

Mr Caines said that in the “abundance of caution”, the gate has been closed, and officials will check the area again in the morning.

Attempts to get officials to confirm what type of “wild animal” was reported were unsuccessful.

Update 9.47pm: Video added of police statement with Media Manager Dwayne Caines

Click here to view the police statement from Dwayne Caines.

Update 11.47pm: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “At a few minutes before 6pm on Friday August 28th, Police and representatives from the Parks Department and Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo attended Coopers Island in the area of Clearwater and Turtle Bay in St. Georges after receiving unconfirmed reports of a wild animal being seen [on Coopers Island].

“As a result Park officials closed the large gate that segregates Coopers Island and in the morning representatives the respective agencies will reassess and give further information to the public.”

Update Aug 29, 8.19am: The gate remains closed as of this morning.

Update 10.00am: The gate is now open and everything appears normal. Unofficial reports indicate the “wild animal” reported to have been allegedly seen is a species not even found in Bermuda and it was not considered likely the animal was actually present, but officials followed up on the report to be on the safe side.

Update 11.07am: A government spokesperson said, “The Department of Parks can confirm that Cooper’s Island park has been reopened to the public.

“A member of the public reported seeing a large animal in the park yesterday evening and Parks staff attended the area and closed the park to investigate. It is believed that the animal seen is a rather large feral cat from St David’s known to frequent the park.”