Search for possible big cat near Erding finds no new clues

A search for a possible escaped big cat in the Notzingermoos nature reserve near Erding has produced no new clues, BR24 reported. Authorities have not confirmed whether the animal seen there was a puma, another type of cat or something else.

Claudia Fiebrandt-Kirmeyer, a spokesperson for the Erding district authority, said there were no new leads on the animal’s whereabouts in the municipality of Oberding. Officials are still analysing the available images with experts from environmental authorities and zoos.

A hunter reported seeing a possible big cat in the Notzingermoos, west of Erding, at about 10.45 p.m. on Tuesday. He recorded it with a thermal imaging camera and immediately contacted police.

Police searched on Wednesday and overnight into Thursday, using a helicopter, a drone with a thermal camera and officers on foot with police dogs. The search continued on Thursday morning, but officers found no evidence. Police said uniformed patrols would remain visible and available to residents and walkers in the area over the weekend.

Police chief Sebastian Pinta said the search radius would not currently be extended beyond the Notzingermoos and Oberding. The nature reserve covers more than 30 square kilometres, making it impossible to search every part on foot. Officers are also taking care not to disturb wildlife; police dogs will stay close to their handlers.

Police said their priority was to locate the animal, then sedate it with veterinary assistance and capture it. Officers would use all available means if it posed a danger to the public, for example in a built-up area.

Police have received 30 tips from the public and are following up on four. They also warned people not to circulate fabricated images: officers said AI-generated pictures of a big cat in an urban setting had reached them and were hindering their work. The district authority has urged residents to stay alert and exercise caution while the situation remains unclear.