(HOAGLIN, OHIO) — Minks on the loose! An unidentified suspect broke into Lion Farms USA Mink Farm early Tuesday and released approximately 25,000-40,000 mink from their cages in Hoaglin, Ohio, according to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities urge residents to take caution when encountering the minks, emphasizing that the carnivorous animals “stick to a diet consisting of fresh kills.”

Minks commonly hunt prey vastly larger in size in comparison to themselves, and can be a pesky problem for livestock owners and property managers.

“Minks have proven to be especially costly and problematic for poultry ranchers as well as homeowners with ornamental ponds filled with koi and other fish,” the Sheriff’s office said in an announcement posted to Facebook.

The incident prompted residents of Van Wert County to respond in the comments section.

“While I don’t agree with these kinds of farms, the person/people who did this did nothing but cause more harm to other innocent animals, farmers, and families,” one user said. “I hope they are caught. What a shame.”

“I certainly don’t agree that mink farms are needed, but just letting them loose like that is cruel, and unfortunately they will do whatever can to survive!”

“Just think about that number. 25,000-40,000. All kept in tiny metal crates pacing in circles losing their minds,” another argued. “Lion farms should not be in business. I sincerely hope this has a devastating economic effect on them.”