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The mystery surrounding a potential puma sighting near Munich Airport continues to deepen as authorities intensify their search efforts. Despite a week-long investigation involving various resources, no definitive traces of the big cat have been found.
Extensive Search Efforts Yield No Concrete Evidence
The initial sighting, reported by a hunter using a night-vision camera near the Oberding district of Notzinger Moos, sparked a large-scale search operation. The hunter’s footage, initially analyzed by an expert, suggested the possibility of a puma. However, police are currently referring to the animal as an “unidentified cat species.”
Over the past week, police and wildlife experts have deployed a range of tools, including thermal cameras, helicopters, and specialized dogs, to comb the Naturschutzgebiet Notzinger Moos. This nature reserve, spanning nearly 140 hectares, presents challenges for search teams due to its dense terrain.
Police Equine Unit Joins the Search
On Sunday, October 11, the police equine unit was brought in to assist with the search. A police spokesperson explained that the equine unit can navigate the nature reserve more effectively than foot patrols or vehicles, reaching areas that are otherwise inaccessible. However, even the mounted police have yet to find any conclusive evidence.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Animal’s Presence and Origin
Authorities are still working to verify the nature of the animal sighted. So far, no further sightings or tracks have been reported, and tips from the public have not yielded any concrete leads. Thomas Schreder, the district hunting chief, stated that he reviewed the footage and ruled out the possibility of a native predator like a lynx.
The question of whether the animal is still in the vicinity, or if it ever was, remains unanswered. Pumas are known to cover significant distances, typically between five and 20 kilometers per night, and up to 35 kilometers during migration.
No Missing Pumas Reported
The origin of the suspected puma is also a mystery. Zoos and licensed big cat owners have not reported any missing animals. A circus operating nearby also confirmed that they do not have any big cats.
Public Caution and Misinformation
The Erding District Office continues to advise caution, urging dog owners to keep their pets on leashes during walks and parents to supervise young children. They emphasize that pumas are generally shy, and attacks on humans are rare.
The search has been complicated by a surge in AI-generated photos and videos of big cats in urban environments, as well as a spread of misinformation. Police chief Pinta expressed frustration over these false reports, which contribute to public uncertainty.
What Happens if a Puma is Found?
Should a puma be located, the course of action remains unclear. Police and the district office are in discussions with veterinarians, hunting tenants, and other experts. “Our goal is not to hunt the animal,” said Pinta, emphasizing that public safety is the priority. He added that tranquilizing and capturing the animal is “not very likely” given the circumstances.
Previous Big Cat Sightings in Germany
This incident is not the first big cat sighting to cause a stir in Germany. In 2025, a similar report of a puma in Saxony-Anhalt turned out to be a large domestic cat. In 2023, a supposed escaped lion in Brandenburg was later identified as a wild boar. The last known puma in Bavaria was confiscated in 2022 by border police, having been illegally trafficked from Eastern Europe, and was subsequently taken to a sanctuary in Munich.
Source: https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/raubkatze-in-der-naehe-des-flughafens-muenchen-gesichtet-wie-es-im-puma-fall-weiter-geht-7-17-10-2026-115454111
