Large cat alarm: Puma viewing at the Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt!

Large cat alarm: Puma viewing at the Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt!

An unusual incident is currently causing excitement in the Saalekreis: authorities are looking for a suspected large cat that may be a puma. The first viewing report dates from Friday evening when a video has appeared that shows the animal in the Neumark district of Braunsbedra. Since then, citizens have given several clues, all of which are near the Geiseltalsee. The local police then initiated extensive search measures, which include the use of drones and a helicopter, among other things. According to Sächsische.de Puma act, which was also confirmed by the head of the order Sabine Faulstich.

In the course of the weekend, further sightings have accumulated, which forced the police to monitor the area in a large scale. The population was informed about the Warn app Nina not to approach the animal and avoid meadows and forests until the situation is under control. Everything is done to numb and capture the animal - not to shoot - to bring it to a zoo where it can be kept safe. According to previous information, there are no reports about missing animals, which indicates that it may be a wild animal that has not been registered. There have been similar incidents in the past, such as 2021 in Saxony-Anhalt when another large cat was spotted.

The location in the Geiseltalsee

The Geiseltalsee, in the area of ​​which the sightings took place, emerged from a flooded lignite mining and is considered one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany. According to the police, the high density of vegetation in this area could be both a challenge and support in the search for the animal. The video of the sighting is classified by experts as real, even if the quality leaves something to be desired and no precise determination of the species.

what to do in the event of sighting?

For possible encounters with big cats that take back their natural habitats, there are some tips from the field of wildlife management. So you should stay calm when sights, act respectfully and not try to approach the animal or even take photos. These behavioral recommendations are particularly important for the safety of the population and aim to promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife population, according to the information from the Austrian Center for Bear, Wolves and Lops. In recent years, many large predators such as wolves and bears have returned in Europe, which for people both have opportunities and challenges.

The authorities planned another meeting in Merseburg on Tuesday to discuss the current state of investigation and the further procedure. Until then, the population is asked to remain vigilant and, if a sighting, contact the control center for fire brigade and emergency services on telephone number 112. It remains exciting to see whether and how the search for the puma will be successful.