An exotic wild animal has escaped from captivity, and is on the loose tonight in Birmingham!

It's a medium-sized wild African cat that looks similar to a leopard.

Lana Deleersnyder says, "It is the only wild cat that can be kept in captivity, although it's probably not recommended, it is probably the easiest to maintain."

The Deleersnyders own several exotic animals including Savannah cats, and "Tiger", a two year old serval cat.

But over the weekend, "Tiger" escaped.

Pat Deleersnyder says, "There were two doors on his cage, I didn't' check the second door, so somewhere in the middle of the night he got up and went to the door pushed it open, thought, oh neat, and kept going."

The serval has been spotted about three miles south from the Deleersnyder's home on Lewisburg Road in north Birmingham.

Jana says, "We heard from the police Sunday morning, but by the time we got there he was gone. Until they can find "Tiger", the owners want to make the community aware that he is on the loose and can cause serious injury.

"If they were cornered, they would try to defend themselves, and they would bite. They are not going to attack children or pets, that's not in their nature. He's a wild animal, he knows me and my wife and that's all he really knows."

The serval has not been spotted since Sunday, but if anyone sees the animal please contact the Birmingham Police immediately.

Most importantly do not go near the animal, because even though he has been declawed, he will bite.