Wayward cheetah is captured in United Arab Emirates
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Who’s missing a cheetah?
That’s what authorities are asking Wednesday after one of the big cats was captured roaming the streets of Sharjah, the emirate just north of here.
The urban safari had gawkers watching the cheetah swimming off a Sharjah port and then walking past a hotel and offices Tuesday. Media reports say the wayward cat was trapped near a mosque and handed over to animal rescue officials.
It’s still unclear where the cheetah came from.
Cheetahs once lived across wide areas of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. But it’s no longer believed to have any habitat on the Arabian peninsula. Its ranges closest to Dubai are believed to be pockets in northern Iran.
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-- Associated Press