Overview
- A hunter’s black‑and‑white images taken from a high seat near Kalenborn on Tuesday showed a cat‑like animal, but the species remains undetermined.
- A commissioned tracker’s initial search found no confirming traces or sightings, and the municipality says there is no reason for panic.
- The Verbandsgemeinde reports a new lead from a woman whose large Maine Coon escaped after a recent move, raising a plausible alternative explanation.
- A separate citizen reported seeing a European wildcat near the area in late October, which officials say aligns with non‑dangerous native fauna.
- Suspected wild‑animal droppings collected in the search area were sent to a laboratory for analysis, while police coordination and public safety guidance continue and PETA offers a €500 reward for information.