600-POUND CAT PROWLING CLOSE TO REAGAN LIBRARY.

Byline: Daily News

SIMI VALLEY - In rain-sodden terrain, state wildlife officials continued to search on Friday for a large exotic cat - possibly an African lion - seen roaming near the Reagan Presidential Library.

Authorities set up traps, baited with chicken, in the hope of capturing the animal, believed to weigh up to 600 pounds. They also are waning residents to protect protect pets and small children.

A team of experts with the state Department of Fish and Game is collaborating with USDA's wildlife services to capture the feline.

``We are moving as quickly as we can, being diligent,'' Fish and Game spokesman Mike Wintemute said. ``The animal seems to be at a fairly confined area, about 2 square miles.''

The tracks - discovered Tuesday - are about 7 inches wide and fairly ``deep in mud,'' suggesting that it is a heavy animal.

Recently, state wildlife officials ordered a Ventura County couple to remove 22 exotic animals, including lions, tigers and lynxes, in the Tierra Rejada Valley because they were not properly caged.

Wintemute said those animals had been accounted for, although some might have previously escaped.

Residents are being asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 654-2311 or Fish and Game's 24-hour public line at [phone] if there are additional sightings.