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Search for Alleged Puma Near Munich Airport Remains Unsuccessful; New Cameras Installed
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – The mystery surrounding a potential puma sighting near Munich Airport continues, as extensive search efforts have yet to yield any concrete evidence of the big cat’s presence. Despite the deployment of thermal imaging cameras, helicopters, and specialized K9 units, authorities have found no trace of the animal since a hunter reported seeing it on Tuesday evening, October 6th.
The Erding District Office remains cautious, stating that initial expert assessments of thermal camera footage suggested it “could be a puma.” However, the official designation has since been downgraded to a “big cat sighting.” The footage is now undergoing further analysis in collaboration with zoo and environmental experts.
Enhanced Surveillance in Notzingermoos Nature Reserve
In a new development, additional wildlife cameras have been installed in the Notzingermoos nature reserve, a sprawling area of nearly 140 hectares. Sebastian Pinta, head of the Erding police inspectorate, confirmed that these recordings will be evaluated every morning. Police presence in the region will also be increased over the weekend, with officers from the mounted police unit joining the search on Sunday.
“Our goal is to be accessible to the people in and around Oberding, and also for officers to make observations or discover traces of the animal themselves,” Pinta stated.
Unconfirmed Sighting and Public Uncertainty
The initial sighting occurred near the Oberding district of Notzingermoos, where a hunter reportedly captured video footage of the animal using a night-vision camera. An expert who reviewed the footage that night deemed it possible that it was indeed a puma. However, police are currently referring to the animal as a “cat of unknown species.”
Thomas Schreder, head of the district hunters’ association, who has also viewed the footage, ruled out the possibility of it being a native predator like a lynx. Yet, the question of whether the animal is still in the vicinity, or was ever there, remains open. Pumas are known to travel significant distances, covering between five and 20 kilometers per night, and up to 35 kilometers during migration or peak activity.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Pinta confirmed that no signs of predatory behavior, excrement, or prey remains were found in the searched area. He acknowledged the difficulty of thoroughly searching the entire Notzingermoos nature reserve due to its size and the need for careful movement to protect wildlife.
Challenges in the Search: AI-Generated Content and Misinformation
The search efforts are further complicated by a deluge of AI-generated photos and videos of big cats in urban environments, which officers are meticulously verifying. Pinta expressed his frustration over the widespread misinformation, stating, “This upsets me and I feel sorry for the people on site.” He warned that the dissemination of false information only contributes to public uncertainty and that legal consequences for sending false tips to the police would be reviewed.
Origin Unknown, Public Caution Advised
The origin of the animal, if it exists, remains a mystery. No zoos or authorized private owners have reported a missing big cat, nor does a nearby circus possess such animals. So far, 30 tips from the public have been received, with four currently under closer investigation. One tip proved to be a false alarm, involving a domestic cat.
The Erding District Office continues to urge caution. Dog owners are advised to keep their pets on leashes during walks, and parents are asked not to leave small children unsupervised. However, authorities also emphasize that these animals are typically very shy, and attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Anyone who spots the big cat or obtains information about its whereabouts is strongly advised not to approach it and to report the sighting immediately to the emergency number 110 or to the police at 08122/968-0.
Germany has seen several reports of big cat sightings in recent years. In 2025, a similar puma sighting in Saxony-Anhalt was ultimately believed to be a large domestic cat. In 2023, a supposed escaped lion in Brandenburg turned out to be a wild boar. The last puma found in Bavaria was from illegal Eastern European trade, confiscated in 2022 and taken to a rescue station in Munich.
