Story Created:
Oct 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Oct 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM EDT
ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Flashing highway signs are warning motorists to stay in their vehicles in rural eastern Ohio, where police have killed dozens of animals that escaped from a wild-animal preserve.
Deputies responding to the initial reports of loose bears, big cats and other beasts found the farm's owner dead yesterday. Authorities aren't saying how he died, but say his death wasn't suspicious.
Three school districts and some private and special schools canceled classes today in the region around the farm in Zanesville. Police said the farm's fences had been left unsecured and the animals' cages were open.
Close to 30 of the 48 animals were shot and killed yesterday.
The Humane Society of the United States says the episode shows Ohio needs restrictions on the possession of wild animals.
