Erding authorities search for suspected puma near Munich Airport

Authorities in the Erding district near Munich Airport are conducting an intensive search for a large cat, potentially a puma, following a thermal camera sighting by a hunter in the Notzinger Moos area. Despite the use of helicopters, drones, search dogs, and increased police presence including a mounted unit, no definitive physical evidence such as tracks or remains has been found.

Police have warned the public about AI-generated fake videos circulating online that depict large cats in residential areas, which have hindered investigation efforts. While the original thermal footage is considered authentic, experts note that a definitive species identification remains difficult. Biologist Markus Unsöld noted that if the animal is a puma, it could travel over 20 kilometers a day, making its current location unpredictable.

Local authorities have advised residents to exercise caution, suggesting that children should not play unsupervised and dogs should not be left roaming free. No official reports of escaped or owned pumas have been filed in the surrounding districts.