The African wildcat caught on Thursday near Georgia Tech had escaped while a man who was cat-sitting walked it on a leash days earlier, state officials said Friday.

The Department of Natural Resources has tracked down the man but is not releasing his name because an investigation is underway. The man denied ownership of the serval, claiming he was taking care of it for a friend, according to DNR spokeswoman Jennifer Barnes.

Fulton County Government (ENLARGE)

Animal control officers captured this serval, a wildcat normally found in Africa, near Georgia Tech early Thursday morning.

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Officials have yet to question the Midtown man, who they say is out of town.

Whoever the owner of the serval is could face misdemeanor criminal charges for possessing the animal without a permit because of a state law that prevents ownership of wolves, bears, wildcats and other wild animals unless they are being used for educational purposes. Barnes said DNR had not yet received claims of ownership.

Servals are nocturnal wildcats that weigh between 29 to 41 pounds and are about three feet long.

The tan-colored and spotted wildcat, nicknamed Ozzie by its captors, was en route from the Fulton County Animal Services shelter to a state-licensed facility in north Georgia on Friday afternoon. Alex Coley, a biologist with DNR's Wildlife Resources Division, said the serval appears to be in good health. Officials would not name the facility.

The man who was walking the cat contacted officials after news of the cat's capture became public. He admitted to accidentally allowing the serval to escape, but provided no information on the cat's owner, Barnes said.

"To get issued a permit for an animal like this, you need proof that you'll use it for educational purposes," Barnes said. "When animals are found like this, unfortunately, if the original owner doesn't have a permit, they don't come forward."

The facility currently housing the serval will be its temporary home. If no owner comes forward, the serval will stay at any licensed facility willing to take the animal, Barnes said.

Anyone claiming ownership of the serval may call DNR at 1-800-241-4113.