ARMSTRONG COUNTY, Pa. -- A local couple shot home video of what they think is a mountain lion.

Mindy Shearer said, “He come out of the corner of woods here. Actually laid on back and was rolling around and scratching and stuff.”

But the game warden can't say for sure what it is. The animal was spotted in South Buffalo Township in Armstrong County last month.

Mindy said, “I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was kind of awe-inspiring. I wasn’t afraid. People said, ‘Weren't you afraid?’ No -- it was a mountain lion!”

The eastern cougar is on the endangered species list. Over the last two months there have been at least a dozen sightings in southwestern Armstrong County. The Shearers are sure they saw one not far from their home.

“There was no question in my mind. It wasn't moving like a dog, wasn't moving like a deer. It was a cat -- a big cat,” Mindy said.
Bill Shearer added, “I would venture to say 180 pounds. It was big real big.”

They managed to catch a few seconds of video and showed Channel 11 the tape. The picture is shaky but startling.

Channel 11 talked to the wildlife officer who also saw the tape. He said it looks like a mountain lion but he can't be sure. Another neighbor said he saw what looked like a mountain lion while in a tree stand in nearby woods on the first day of archery season.

With plenty of wildlife to keep the beast close to houses, neighbors are concerned for their children's safety.

Mindy said, “When it's happening you're not afraid but when you stop and think about it and you think basically these things are killers. So, that's my fear; its' going to grab a kid.”

Bill said, “In California, those hikers and bikers being stalked and attacked and killed … if this thing is still around, it’s an issue. “

Officials said if it is a cougar, it's likely an illegal pet that got away. But they need more pictures and more evidence before taking action.