Wareham officials are seeking the public’s help in locating the owner of an apparently abandoned pit bull, found loose and scared near a rest area on I-195 on Friday, Aug. 24.

Wareham’s Animal Control Officer Cheryl Gorveatt-Dill responded to a report of “an aggressive pit bull” at approximately 9 a.m. Officials report Gorveatt-Dill leashed the dog after using treats and a calm approach. The animal was placed in her patrol vehicle without incident.

The pit bull was taken to an animal shelter in Lakeville and is not currently up for adoption. Officials said they believe the animal was abandoned.

“We strongly believe this male pit was dumped at the rest area along this busy stretch of highway,” according to a post on the Wareham Department of Natural Resources Facebook page. “We have not received any reports of missing dogs matching this big fella.”

Anyone with information regarding the dog or its owner is encouraged to contact Wareham Animal Control Division of Natural Resources by calling 508-291-3100 ext. 3180.