Mysterious big cat spotted in Altenahr – advice for forest visitors!
Suspected big cat spotted near Kalenborn in the Rhein-Sieg district: hunter documents sighting, mayor calls for prudence.

Mysterious big cat spotted in Altenahr – advice for forest visitors!
An unusual incident is currently stirring minds in the municipality of Altenahr, Rhineland-Palatinate. On Tuesday evening, a hunter noticed a cat-like creature in the forest from his perch. His images, which were taken in black and white, cannot provide a clear conclusion about the animal's identity, but it is suspected that it could be a suspected big cat. This sighting occurred in a forest near Kalenborn, near the border with North Rhine-Westphalia, and is now causing various reactions in the region. RND reports that ...
Mayor Dominik Gieler commented on the situation and asked the population to be calm. “There is no reason to panic,” he emphasized. Nevertheless, he advises forest visitors to be attentive, not to leave the forest paths and to keep their dogs on a leash. The mayor noted that the decision to inform the public was made after careful consideration, as there are many walkers in the area. The municipality's regulatory authority is in close contact with the police and other responsible authorities in order to keep an eye on the situation.
Insights into the situation on site
While the sighting causes some excitement, the general mood in the region remains calm. Locally, there has been no noticeable increase in walking activity so far, suggesting people are paying attention but not worried. In addition to the measures already taken, a tracker was commissioned to find possible traces of the animal and thus create more clarity. Another point that Gieler raised is the fact that the area is home to the European wildcat, which is known to be shy and usually does not pose a threat to humans. Tagesschau adds that ...
Despite all the uncertainties, citizens' desire to stay informed is great. If you see an unusual animal, residents and visitors should keep their distance and notify the police. The municipality continues to monitor the situation like a hawk and will take further steps if necessary to ensure the safety of forest visitors. The advice to stay on paths and always keep dogs on a leash is particularly important right now.