Reading cat spotted at the Geiseltalsee: Danger for walkers?

Reading cat spotted at the Geiseltalsee: Danger for walkers?

suspicious sightings at the Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt cause excitement among the residents. On June 17, 2025, a light brown animal was spotted that crept over a field. It could most likely be a big cat, possibly a puma. So reports n-tv . The video of the sighting is available on social media and has been viewed many times. Blurred shots show the animal on the edge of a field that attracted the attention of the authorities.

The integrated control center Saalekreis has urged: "Never approach the animal!" The authorities have informed the population about the "Nina" app and advised not to enter meadows and forests where the animal could be met. A caller made the district administration aware of the video on Monday, which was recorded on Friday evening. The Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Protection does not offer the all -clear, but recommends to choose the emergency number 112 when viewing the animal.

background to viewing

A total of five to six sightings, the last of them on Tuesday. Despite the intensive search with helicopters and drones, the authorities have so far been unsuccessful. Another factor that makes the situation complicated: So far there are no confirmed footprints or traces of faith that could indicate a puma. However, experts speculate that the animal may come from a private owner, since there are no uniform regulations for the attitude of exotic wild animals in Germany. The Süddeutsche describes that the head of the Saalekreis, Sabine Faulstich, the authenticity of the video also confirms has.

The Geiseltalsee, where the animal was sighted, is one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany and is a former lignite mining area. Unlike suspected, there is no zoo in Braunsbedra from which the animal could have escaped. The information about the attitude of exotic animals in Germany is diverse and often inadequate. echo24 in Germany only 33 animal species are banned in the attitude in Germany, which means that exotic animals such as pumas can be kept without a special approval.

The legal framework and its consequences

What does that mean for prospective pet owners? Experts warn of the challenges associated with the attitude of such wild animals. Often their behaviors and claims cannot be adequately met. The anonymous online purchase exacerbates the problem, since often no advice on attitude takes place and exotic animals end up in animal shelters after a short time. Exotic animals are always offered for sale on the market, which continues to put the regulations under pressure.

it is clear that the search for the sighted big cat continues at the Geiseltalsee. The further procedure remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the residents should be vigilant and take the warnings of the authorities seriously, while in this case nature preserves its own secret.