Large cat in southern Saxony-Anhalt

In the south of Saxony-Anhalt, the authorities are looking for a big cat. The predator was spotted on Friday evening in the area of ​​the port on the Geiseltalsee in Braunsbedra in the Saalekreis, as the Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Protection announced in a warning report. « The police monitor the area in a large scale, » it said. A helicopter was also used, as a spokesman for the Saalekreis from the dpa news agency said.

Warning of the animal

The population was informed about the Warn app Nina: «In no way approach the animal! Avoid being in meadows and forests. » If you see the animal, you should immediately inform the control center for fire brigade and emergency services under 112.

A caller informed the district on Monday that there was a video of a suspected predator on social media, said the spokesman. The Geiseltalsee is a flooded lignite mine – and one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany. There is no zoo in Braunsbedra.

Speaker: no fake

The head of the Saalekreis, Sabine Faulstich, told the “Mitteldeutsche Zeitung”: “It is not a fake”. A credible source saw a large cat near the marina on Friday. There is also a video of the animal, she told the newspaper. This was presented: « You have confirmed that it is a large cat. » But what exactly is unclear. A puma is possible.

The « Lion » from Kleinmachnow

In the summer of almost two years ago, a similar incident in Kleinmachnow caused a stir Southwest of Berlin: there, the police, hunters and veterinarians chased a supposed lioness for around 30 hours, including helicopter and drones – triggered by a cell phone video. International attention was great, in the end the alleged predator turned out to be wild boar. The incident resulted in nationwide debates about dealing with dangerous animals.