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Front Page Germany**

Headline: Puma Sightings in Saxony-Anhalt - Authorities on Alert

By: Robin Dittrich, Alina Schröder, Bjarne Kommnick, Patrick Huljina

Update June 18, 9:45 PM: The Saalekreis district has concluded that the furry beast detected within its borders poses no longer to be a threat to the local populace. They're now working towards determining the species of the creature through discreet communication with nearby veterinarians and installing a wildlife camera at an appropriate location.

Puma Hunt Temporarily Dismissed

Update June 18, 7:44 AM: The district has confirmed the extensive manhunt for the puma-like animal was indeed necessary and prudent. Despite scaling back its operations, responsible forces remain standby until fresh intel becomes available. The district has not addressed follow-up inquiries from IPPEN.MEDIA regarding the next steps.

Update June 18, 5:20 AM: With new daylight, the Saalekreis district has given a tentative all-clear following the puma sighting, as reported by MDR. In a press release issued the previous evening, they acknowledged the emergence of additional video footage showcasing the animal. The district administration stated that, based on this new footage, the creature appeared smaller than initially suspected and in line with earlier estimated size by experts. The footage will be analyzed in collaboration with specialists, marking the suspension of the search operation.

Update June 17, 6:24 PM: The pursuit of the puma-suspect continues at the Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt. Authorities maintain their belief that it might be a puma. Two videos have surfaced, with the second video showing the creature again at a distance that makes it appear smaller than the initial expert assessment [C1]. The district is presently evaluating the available visuals.

Previously, the Saalekreis district had released a public statement mentioning additional sightings: "As of June 16, 2025, in the areas of Pfännerhall, Branderodaer Hohle, and Weinberg Reifert, further sightings were reported to the district."

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If the spotted creature indeed turns out to be a puma, some precautions should be observed when encountering it, as advised by the Saalekreis district office. If spotted, refrain from making eye contact and maintain a distance, attempting to appear bigger while slowly backing away. Until the creature is safely apprehended, it's wise to keep dogs on a leash, but avoid the vicinity of the Geiseltalsee entirely.

Update of 17th June, 15:37: A video of the puma in Saxony-Anhalt is currently causing a stir throughout the Saale district. It has been revealed that an employee of the district office captured the footage and shared it on Facebook [C2]. The original video, silent but featuring a voice, was taken from great distance. "Do you recognize what this is? Something like a puma!" a voice between shaky breaths exclaims.

The district has remarked that a calf was recently killed near the lake. The remains are now being forensically examined to determine if the creature was responsible for the calf's demise.

"The video material is unfortunately so poor that a definitive assessment is not feasible," explained Thomas Bernheim, spokesperson for the Halle Zoo, when briefed about the recording [C2]. "Based on the video, we can at most say that it could be a large feline predator." Playing it safe, the zoo is working closely with relevant authorities in the Saale district.

Update of 17th June, 15:16: PETA has issued a statement alluding to the big cat sighting and is urging the German Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer, to prohibit trade and possession of exotic wild animals by non-experts. The acquisition of "dangerous and demanding species" remains legal, despite the requirement for extensive specialist knowledge in such matters.

In the event the beast originated with a private owner, PETA is offering a 500-euro bounty for information that helps identify the individual with confidence. Contact the animal rights organization confidentially via email.

District Launches Large-Scale Investigation for Predator

Update of 17th June, 13:49: "On Friday, 13th June 2025, a feline predator was first sighted at the Geiseltalsee in the Neumark area and reported to the district on 17th June 2025. Further sightings from June 16, 2025, in the Pfännerhall, Branderodaer Hohle, and Weinberg Reifert areas were also relayed to the district," the Saale district announced in a press release.

The fire department is joining forces with the police in the search, using drones [C1] to locate the creature. A helicopter has also been called into service and was deployed the previous day. "It is intended to tranquilize the creature upon sighting. An expert from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the local hunting association will be on standby," the press release explains.

The district offers some helpful guidelines for approaching the creature should an encounter occur: refrain from gazing into its eyes, concentrate instead on its body, gradually back away, and present a large appearance. Residents are encouraged to keep their dogs on a leash for safety reasons, and to abstain from forested and heavily vegetated areas for the time being.

Update of 17th June, 12:55: The search for the elusive creature in southern Saxony-Anhalt has stepped up. Drones are being utilized in the hunt, with three teams currently deployed to trace the creature after an 80 percent chance evaluation that it's indeed a puma [C1]. In the event of a sighting, a specialist will attempt to put the creature to rest and relocate it to a zoo.

Update of June 17, 11:15 AM: The suspected location for the puma remains unclear. Technically, pumas are not classified as "big cats" but belong to the small cat family. Although they are considered medium-sized worldwide, they can reach a length of up to 150 cm and weigh up to 125 kg [C3].

It's uncertain where the creature might have originated, since there's no zoo in Braunsbedra.

Update of June 17, 9:08 AM: Saalekreis spokesperson confirmed to t-online that the creature was sighted again on the morning of the 17th. Further details regarding the sighting are still developing. Meetings have been arranged between the municipality and the district office to assess and strategize next steps.

Update of June 17, 7:22 AM: According to an MDR report, police forces are closely surveilling the area. A control center source spoke to the broadcaster and revealed that search operations went on well into the evening the previous day, with helicopters also mobilized. Despite the initially unreported sighting on June 13, there have been no missing pet reports as of yet. The Saalekreis is now planning to systematically reach out to all zoos and exotic animal keepers in the area to ascertain if the creature is unaccounted for.

Update of June 17, 5:20 AM: There remains no all-clear from the authorities at sunrise on June 17, despite the previous night's NINA warning app advisory for a big cat in the south of Saxony-Anhalt. Safety guidelines still stand, as no new information has emerged.

Original Report of June 16, 11:43 PM: Braunsbedra - Expectation abounds: Authorities are presently searching for a big cat in the south of Saxony-Anhalt. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance has released an official warning and issued a warning via the NINA warning app.

Alert for Wild Animal Sightings in Central Germany "Big Cat Spotted"

"A big cat was spotted in Braunsbedra, specifically in the vicinity of the harbor, on Friday evening," states the warning message issued by authorities. Investigations are ongoing, with police closely monitoring the area [C1]. Citizens are advised: "Stay clear of the creature, without exception! Avoid grazing lands and forests." If sighted, immediately contact the control center for fire and rescue services on 112.

A video featuring the creature at the Geiseltalsee is currently making the rounds on social media. The footage has been authenticated by specialists, confirming it shows a big cat, most likely a puma [C1][C2].