A serval has escaped from the Rietvlei Nature Reserve near Pretoria, community watch group eBlockwatch said on Monday.
The animal was spotted crossing the R21.
eBlockwatch founder Andre Snyman clarified that while the African wild cat could be mistaken for a baby cheetah, it was not as dangerous.
"It feeds on live birds and rats so it's not that dangerous," said Snyman.
He cautioned, however, for people not to approach the animal.
"It will bite you if you get too close but it will not eat a human being," he said.
Anyone who spotted the animal was urged to contact eBlockwatch via its Facebook page so the group could assist in the capture and relocation of the animal.