20100727
reuters

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A tiger escaped from the back of a truck in South Africa on Tuesday and remained on the run as police used helicopters to hunt it down.

The 17-month-old tiger called Panjo escaped while it was being driven by its owner to a veterinary clinic in the town of Springs east of Johannesburg.

The tiger's owner, Rose Fernandes, told local radio she did not know how the tiger had managed to escape.

She said the tiger was used to humans but police urged local residents to be vigilant and report any sightings. Tigers, who are native to Asia, are only found in zoos in South Africa.

The 140 kg (310 lb) tiger remained on the run and police used helicopters and microlight aircraft to locate it.

"This is certainly the biggest tiger hunt that Africa has ever seen," said Andre Snyman, head of a private security network coordinating the search.

Fernandes said anyone who came across the tiger should treat it "like a dog" by picking up a stick and saying "No" in a loud voice. She added that giving it meat, especially chicken, would also be likely to keep it happy.