Authorities issue alert for large felines roaming southern Saxony-Anhalt region
Title: "A Real (Maybe) Puma on Loose in Southern Saxony-Anhalt - Stay Away from Geiseltalsee!"
Social Media Buzz: Spotted near Geiseltalsee, confusing videos and rumors swirl around a big cat in southern Saxony-Anhalt. The police assure us it ain't no hoax, and it could be a puma. Keep your eyes peeled, and steer clear of meadows and forests. If you see the cat, dial 112 immediately!
Cops and rescue teams are on high alert. They've swarmed the Geiseltalsee harbor area in Braunsbedra, Saalekreis, after a large cat was spotted on Friday night. Helicopters are overhead, and the authorities have issued a warning via the Nina app: "Far out, don't get close to the animal! Ditch the meadows and forests." If you ever come across Mr. Fluffytails, call 112 sharp.
The whole thing started when someone tipped off the district with a video on social media, claiming there was a predator on the loose. The Geiseltalsee is a flooded open-pit coal mine and one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany. Don't worry, Braunsbedra doesn't have a zoo.
So, what's the truth behind this four-legged enigma? Well, Sabine Faulstich, the public order department head of the Saalekreis, told the "Mitteldeutsche Zeitung": "No bullshitting, it's the real deal." An honest Joe claimed to have seen a big cat near the marina on Friday. Experts took one look at the posted video and agreed: "Damn, it's a big cat, alright." The exact type? Well, that's still up in the air, but a puma isn't out of the question.
Flash back to past two years, 2023, in Kleinmachnow, southwest of Berlin. The media went wild, police, hunters, and vets scoured the skies for a supposed lion for about 30 hours, all prompted by a cellphone video. But, in the end, it wasn't a lion. Just your average wild boar causing a ruckus. The incident caused quite the stir, sparking debates on how to manage dangerous animals. Here's hoping this time, things take a different turn.
Enrichment Data:- While the footage is considered genuine, the exact species of the cat remains unknown, with experts suggesting a cougar or puma is the most likely candidate.- Authorities have implemented a plan to locate and secure the animal, should they successfully identify it.- Multiple sightings have occurred since mid-June 2025, with a total of six confirmed encounters.- The public, despite recurring warnings, continues to report encountering the animal, highlights the importance of heeding emergency advisories.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa
Saxony-AnhaltAnimalsPolice
In response to the mysterious sightings, the community has been advised to exercise caution and follow the community policy regarding encounters with the unknown big cat. Additionally, vocational training sessions on wild animal safety can be beneficial for community members, especially those residing near Geiseltalsee, as they navigate this unprecedented situation.
