Four Otters Escape From Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; Kitchi The Otter Still Missing

A police description of the scenario runs something like this: suspect is approximately 4 feet long, not considered dangerous, has an uncanny taste for fish. The suspect remains at large.

The target of this manhunt? A North American river otter by the name of Kitchi, who escaped from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo last week with three other otters. Two were discovered minutes later cavorting in the grizzly pool, and the third was recovered near the zoo's containment fence within the hour. Kitchi, however, has been on the lam ever since.

After Broadmoor hotel staff, Broadmoor Fire and Rescue, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department were unable to coax the otter out of a culvert on the property, Colorado Springs Utilities conducted a search using a robotic camera system.

In a press release, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo officials assured community members that pets and family members are safe, so long as they do not provoke or corner Kitchi. Fish in outdoor water features, ponds and lakes, however, may become otter food.

If you spot Kitchi, do not attempt to trap the animal. Call the Zoo's Otter Hotline at (719)648-7348.