Enigmatic big cat at the Geiseltalsee: Puma viewing causes excitement!

Enigmatic big cat at the Geiseltalsee: Puma viewing causes excitement!

at a time when nature seems to come back, the return of predators to our country causes a sensation and mixed feelings. On Friday evening, a large animal was spotted at the Geiseltalsee in Braunsbedra, Saxony-Anhalt, which was possibly a puma. The authorities reacted immediately and triggered Katwarn and Nina alarm via the Warn apps. The police urgently warns: "Never approach the animal!" Schwäbische Post reports that such sightings indicate an alarming growth on the Ostalb that once died out as extensive applied.

This includes the return of wild cats, lynxes and wolves in our region. Genetic evidence of the real European wild cat (Felis Silvestris) was discovered in forests around Ellwangen, Aalen and Heidenheim. The lynx, a beautiful, shy journeyman, was also spotted several times in the Härtsfeld and Heubach. It becomes a symbol of a nature that rests itself. And not to forget: In January 2024, a wolf in Oberkochen was documented by video.

wild animals in the region

The sightings ensure an exciting atmosphere among nature lovers. If you are traveling in the forest, you should consider some recommendations. Dogs should be led on a leash, wild animals must not be fed or persecuted. "The forest is a habitat for wild animals, not a petting zoo," warn the authorities. There is also a request to document sightings and report them to the district office or the forest authority.

• dogs on the forest walk.
• Wildlife do not feed or follow.
Document
• sightings (place, time, photo) and report.

To take a closer look at the wild animal, we take a look at the Reinhardswald. Here the discussions about the lynx have not yet been completed. Reports about sightings are increasing; For example, on May 26, 2023, a lynx was spotted near the parking lot in the Friedwald, but without evidence. The observations of Horst Schrader and his wife as well as a local hunter who made photos are also fueling the speculation. With the help of photo traps, the situation on the lynx population continues to be observed, but the uncertainty about a permanent settlement remains.

The challenges for the habitat

An important goal of nature conservation planning is to create an acceptable distance between residential areas and wild animals. With its 650 square kilometers, the Reinhardswald offers large, low -fault habitats, which are of crucial importance for the lynx. But not all messages are positive: the planned wind turbines could make the settlement more difficult, warn conservationists. A specialist concept for a cross -border biotope network has existed since 2010, but in Germany only about 0.6 % of the state area are shown as wilderness areas - clearly too little, as many experts find.

The return of the predators in Germany - whether wolf, lynx or even the bear - is still being pursued intensively. In 2012, a first wolf couple in Lower Saxony were spotted. The topic has touched many people and raised the question of how much wilderness near residential areas is acceptable. The return is certainly a step in the right direction; The challenge will be to find a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals. NDR has also published an interesting documentary.

nature is alive, and it seems as if she wants to pay us a visit. Let us be surprised together what the future brings and whether we will have other fascinating encounters with our new neighbors in the wilderness.