ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Authorities in Muskingum County say they have recovered most of the exotic animals that were running loose since they were set free, apparently by their owner, last night.

The owner of the exotic animal farm, Terry Thompson, was found dead yesterday in his house. Sheriff Matt Lutz said Thompson apparently opened the cages to release all of the animals, then committed suicide. He wouldn’t say how Thompson killed himself. He did say the body was “bothered” by the animals.

Thompson not only opened the cages, but cut the cage wire so the animals would escape again if returned to their cages.

Lutz announced that authorities believe only three animals remain missing this morning — a mountain lion, grizzly bear and monkey. A cat of some sort was struck and wounded on I-70 this morning, Lutz said. The State Highway Patrol was expected to kill the animal, he said.

Lutz defended the shooting of the escaped animals. He said when deputies arrived at the house, there were large animals trying to escape. The deputies had to shoot them with their sidearms.

“We are not talking about your normal everyday house cat,” he said. “We could not have animals running loose in this county.”

Cripes!!! Run away, Run away!!!!!