A large cat is reportedly roaming in the area around the East-West Center on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement received “multiple citizen reports of a large cat in the area” around the East West Center. DOCARE dispatched officers.

UH officials sent a campus-wide email warning the community about the search for the possible large cat. "At this time, DOCARE officers have not confirmed the presence of any large animal in the area. Students and employees are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings," the email said. 

Photos posted on Instagram by Donovan Luis appeared to show a wild cat: 

Spectrum News reached out to Luis for information, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. 

DLNR asks anyone with information to call the DOCARE hotline at 808-643-DLNR or report via the DLNRTip app.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from the University of Hawaii. (May 23, 2025)