Police have warned people not to approach a lynx which has escaped from its zoo enclosure.
Dartmoor Zoological Park raised the alarm that the animal – the size of a large domestic cat – had escaped at 10.20am on Thursday.
The two-year-old male lynx, a wild cat that is grey/silver in colour, is thought to have left the grounds of the zoo near Plymouth.
Devon and Cornwall Police said members of the public should call 999 immediately if they spot the lynx.
“The animal should not be approached as it could become dangerous if alarmed or cornered,” a spokesman said.
“Officers have visited two local schools to offer safety advice and reassurance.
“All children at All Saints Primary School are not in school as they are away on a field trip. Police are also working with staff at Little Orchard Montessori School to make sure they are kept inside.
“Officers are also going house-to-house in the area to offer advice and are assisting with the search on the ground.
“The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter has been deployed to assist with the search of the boundaries of the zoological park.”
