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Big cat at Geiseltalsee: Riddle about predator or big cat!
A search is underway in the Saale district for a suspected big cat, possibly a puma. All-clear thanks to new findings.
Big cat at Geiseltalsee: Riddle about predator or big cat!
A suspected big cat is causing a stir in the Saale district. After the first video of an unknown animal made the rounds in Braunsbedra, the district administration gave the cautious all-clear. A recent report points out that the animal, which emerges from a new video recording, appears smaller than initially assumed. Mayor Steffen Schmitz speculates that it is a larger domestic cat and not a dangerous predator, as initially feared. However, this sighting brought the police and fire brigade into action, who searched the area around Geiseltalsee with several drones and a helicopter - but without success, as MDR reports.
A calf found dead near Geiseltalsee sparks additional interest. Experts are investigating whether any injuries were caused by a big cat. The police have already checked all regional animal owners and found no evidence of an outbreak from zoo-educational facilities. The district office suspects that the big cat may have been kept illegally, which has led to a debate about keeping dangerous animals in Saxony-Anhalt. The district ensures greater safety through warnings via the Nina app, which advises the population not to approach the animal and to contact the control center immediately if it is spotted, as InFranken reports.
The challenge of animal husbandry
The incident highlights the legal regulations regarding the keeping of exotic animals in Germany. In many cases, such as the current example, dangerous animals can escape private handling without information being provided to authorities. This situation encourages animal protection organizations such as Peta and Vier Pfoten to call for a general ban on the private keeping of dangerous animals. Peta has even offered a reward of 500 euros for information about the owner of the suspected big cat, while experts believe that there is a large, lucrative demand for exotic animals in Germany. Many owners are not aware of the challenges and dangers associated with keeping these animals, according to ZDF.
Geiseltalsee, one of Germany's largest artificial lakes, is not the only place where there are concerns about animals. In Kleinmachnow, near Berlin, there was recently a lioness in circulation that later turned out to be a wild boar. Such incidents call for a rethink, especially with regard to legislation. In many federal states there are no special regulations for big cats, which makes the situation even more complicated. Experts therefore emphasize the need for reform to combat criminal activity in the exotic animal trade.
The excitement surrounding the big cat is likely to continue for a while. While police continue to remain vigilant and gather all information, it remains to be seen whether citizens can be sure that it is in fact just a larger cat. We will continue to monitor developments.