The animal is believed to be an Asian golden cat, a protected species which weighs about 30 kilos (66 pounds) and is the size of a large dog.

After sketchy sightings of a "tiger" in the western suburb of Taling Chan in recent weeks, residents on Sunday discovered the footprints and the partly eaten carcasses of 10 chickens.

"We are not yet sure what the animal is, but we hope to trap it tonight," said a spokesman for the district administration. "We believe it is likely to be an Asian golden cat," he added.

Golden cats are unlikely to harm adults, but children have been warned to stay inside at night until the animal is found.

Zoolological Park Organisation staff have joined district authorities in the hunt for the animal, which experts said most likely escaped from a private zoo where it was being kept illegally.

TERRA.WIRE