What's this "big cat" being hunted by the German police?

A video is causing a stir in Germany. It shows a feline clearly too large to be a domestic cat. Authorities in the Saale district have issued an official warning urging utmost caution.

Near Lake Geiseltal, Germany, in the Saale district, close to Leipzig and Halle, police are searching for a feline. On the evening of Monday 16 June 2025, authorities issued a "big cat" alert. According to a video posted on X – and verified – the silhouette resembles a puma. The authorities estimate there is an 80% chance it is indeed a specimen of this species. Alerts were officially sent to smartphones (photo). Local people are advised not to go into the forest or the meadows. If you encounter (preferably from a distance) the feline, you are asked to inform the police by calling 112 and to remain cautious. Under no circumstances should you approach the animal. The origin of the "big cat" remains unknown, especially as there is no zoo nearby.

Video link.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Sources: 7sur7.be & tagesschau.de – Photo: © picture alliance/dpa/NEWS5)