I know you've been told not to drink that home made NC Mountain Dew. But NOooooooooooo... you had to find out for yourself.[8D]

Short of that, it sounds like some sort of exotic South American/Central American kitty kat and family on the loose. I can't imagine that many would have lasted so long without an accidental kill on a highway or something. I doubt a migration.... maybe more like an escape from someone or some place.