Helicopters and drones scour Munich outskirts as 'puma' is spotted near Germany's busiest airport

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

A large-scale hunt is underway near Munich Airport after a wildlife camera photographed what experts believe may be a puma roaming the Notzingermoos nature reserve, just kilometres from one of Europe's busiest transit hubs. Police helicopters and thermal drones are carrying out aerial sweeps while ground patrols and forestry officers search for tracks across the Oberding and Erding districts. Authorities say no big cats have been reported missing from local zoos, sanctuaries or travelling circuses, leaving the animal's origin a mystery.

A local hunter first reported the sighting on Tuesday night, and wildlife experts have warned that pumas can weigh up to 100kg and are capable of attacking humans.

Residents in Oberding and Erding have been told to keep children supervised, bring pets indoors and report any sightings immediately to emergency services.

Pumas are native to the Americas and have no natural presence in Europe, making the sighting deeply unusual and the animal's appearance near a major airport all the more alarming.