[REVISION HISTORY]

Puma sightings prompt municipal alerts in Poland

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-18 15:15 UTC → 2026-08-20 15:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Polish authorities continue to monitor reports of a roaming puma, with recent warnings issued near the village of Osiek-Wolka, approximately 75 kilometres north of Warsaw. A retired veterinarian and experienced hunter observed a large cat using thermal imaging, describing it as having a long, curled tail and being comparable in size to a young wild boar. While tracks matching a large predator have been discovered near a pond, the species has not been definitively confirmed. Local officials are advising residents in Osiek-Wolka, Osiek-Aleksandrowo, Osiek Górny, and Stare Garnowo to avoid forested areas and to supervise children closely. Authorities have stated they do not intend to shoot the animal if located; instead, the strategy is to sedate and safely relocate it. Warnings have expanded across multiple regions. In northern Mazovia, sightings have been reported in the Ciechanów, Pułtusk, and Wyszków areas, with residents in Regimin, Stupsk, and Zatory advised to keep children and pets indoors. In Lower Silesia, the Kłodzko County region, specifically near Szczytna and Polanica-Zdrój, remains under monitoring by the Zdroje Forest District. On August 17, new warnings were issued by the Goworowo municipality and the Ostrołęka County Starosty following reports in Rębisze-Parcele and Rębisze-Działy. Officials released a resident-taken photograph of a large, slender animal with a long tail moving through grass near residential buildings. While the species is unconfirmed, authorities are referring to it as an ‘animal resembling a puma’ as a precaution. Residents are urged to avoid forests during dawn and dusk and to contact emergency services via 112 if a threat arises. Recent developments have clarified the validity of these reports. In the Goworowo municipality, local Local officials confirmed that the alarm regarding the predator near Rębisze-Parcele and Rębisze-Działy was a hoax perpetrated by a resident; police are investigating the matter. On August 20, authorities debunked further reports near the Czech border. The Świdnica Forest District had issued a precautionary warning near Zagórze Śląskie and Michałkowa after a camera trap image appeared to show a large predator. However, following verification by the Świdnica District Police, officials determined the photograph was not authentic. Searches by forest guards and hunters found no evidence of a large feline, noting all discovered tracks belonged to other wild species.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.