Parents and guardians in and around Monaghan town should not allow children out unaccompanied because a dangerous exotic cat appears to be roaming the area, the gardaí have advised.
There have been several reported sightings of a large creature thought to be a puma in an area between Monaghan town and the Co Tyrone border, around 12 miles to the north.
Livestock in the area has been attacked on a number of occasions since the scare began last month, and last week a calf in Newbliss was kiled. Experts believe the animal was mauled by a predator with "sharp claws".
There were suspected sightings yesterday at Tully on the outskirts of Monaghan town and television stations showed video footage captured by a local businessman of an animal wandering in fields.
Insp Pat McMorrow of Monaghan Town Garda station said although an exotic animal such as a puma is thought responsible for the spate of sightings and attacks, the video images appeared to be of a large domestic cat.
But he said experts have indicated a dangerous animal is on the loose and could be a danger to human life. He said the public should continue to report any suspected sightings and urged parents and guardians to be particularly vigilant about children's whereabouts.
"We are advising parents to keep children indoors or at least accompanied at all times, particularly younger ones, and not have them roaming in fields or public parks."
One of the most recent sightings was near a public park on the outskirts of Monaghan town and there has been a sighting reported near a housing estate.
There has been speculation locally that there may be more than one dangerous animal on the loose but Insp McMurrow "could neither confirm or deny that".
A team of up to six gardaí are now patrolling the outskirts of Monaghan town backed up by army marksmen. The Garda helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft based at Baldonnel are on stand-by. "We've got a search party on the ground and we'll respond [with air cover] when we get a call," Insp McMurrow said.
It is thought the animal may have wandered across the border from Northern Ireland where there have numerous suspected sightings of big cats. Exotic animals can be kept without a licence in the North and wolves, in particular, have escaped from their enclosures several times.