“Bigfoot” or escaped cat? Berkeley Township, 1979

Reported animal attacks

Cosmo F. Casella Jr. said six dogs had disappeared during the preceding six weeks from his Green Acres Auto Centre property. Three watchdogs were found that year with severe injuries: one had wounds through its body and legs, another had a missing leg, and a puppy had been taken from its tether. Casella believed the damage was consistent with a tiger and began standing watch after a Friday-night concert, armed and accompanied by his dog, hoping to identify whatever was attacking them.

Nearby Great Adventure amusement park, about two miles away in Jackson Township, housed exotic animals in its safari, including roughly 30 lions. Spokesman Thomas Cason said none had escaped and described the animals as secured behind two reinforced concrete barriers. Casella nevertheless reported hearing of two women who saw a large animal cross before their car and climb a tree. Berkeley Humane Society director Bernice—surname illegible—examined a dead dog with a missing leg and doubted an ordinary dog had caused the injuries. No animal was identified in the clipping.