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Puma Sighting Near Munich Airport Prompts Public Warning
Erding, October 7 – The Erding District Office has issued a public warning following the sighting of a suspected big cat, believed to be a puma, in the vicinity of Munich Airport. Police have initiated a comprehensive search operation for the animal.
According to a spokesperson for the Erding District Office, an initial expert assessment suggests the animal could be a puma. The sighting occurred in the Notzinger Moos area of Oberding municipality, just a few kilometers from Munich Airport. The origin of the animal remains unknown, with no reports of circuses in the region.
Hunter Films Suspected Big Cat
The alarm was raised late Tuesday evening when a hunter captured video footage of a suspicious animal using night vision equipment. The recordings were subsequently analyzed by an expert overnight, who concluded that the animal could indeed be a puma, according to police reports. The video was provided to BR24 by hunting circles.
Police Search with Drones and Helicopter
Emergency services are actively searching the extensive forest area for any signs of the animal’s whereabouts. A police helicopter and several drones are being used to survey the area from above. Numerous police officers are also on the ground, searching for tracks or signs of prey, a police spokesperson stated earlier in the evening. “However, we have not found any traces so far.”
A drone search will continue overnight, focusing on the area where the hunter made the initial sighting. Authorities hope that the animal will return to the area, allowing it to be located using thermal imaging technology.
Public Urged to Exercise Caution
The District Office has appealed to the public to be cautious, while also emphasizing the importance of avoiding panic. “We do not want to cause unnecessary panic. However, we want to make the public aware that they should observe their surroundings a little more vigilantly,” the spokesperson said.
Anyone who spots the animal or has information about its location is urged to contact the Erding police immediately. The public is strongly advised not to approach the animal. Residents in the region have been asked to keep dogs on leashes as a precautionary measure. “And do not let small children play unsupervised,” the District Office further advised on Facebook.
Head of District Hunters Advises Calm
Thomas Schreder, head of the district hunters’ association, urged calm. “Please do not actively search for the animal and instead let the authorities do their job,” Schreder told the German Press Agency. “At night, I would also avoid the area for walks for now. Dogs should not be allowed to run free during the day either.” He emphasized that panic is certainly not appropriate, but added, “If it is a puma, it is not a harmless animal.”
Past incidents in Germany have shown that alleged big cat sightings have often turned out to be harmless. In 2023, police and hunters in Kleinmachnow near Berlin searched for a lioness for around 30 hours, which was ultimately most likely a wild boar. In 2025, a suspected puma at Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt led to a major search; an expert later identified the animal as a domestic cat. Several times, alleged predators have also turned out to be stuffed animals, for example in Cuxhaven and Frankfurt.
Source: Erding District Office, Erding Police, BR24 Redaktion Frank Jordan
