German police on Thursday warned people living in parts of Berlin to be vigilant over a potentially dangerous wild animal on the loose near the city—thought to be a lioness—urging residents of the capital to bring pets inside and stay indoors as police hunt for the creature.
Police are hunting for a suspected lioness near Berlin.
Police have urged members of the public in southern parts of Berlin and adjacent areas of Kleinmachnow, Teltow and Stahnsdorf to be on high alert as they search for the animal and to seek shelter in houses or cars if they spot it.
Officers have reportedly deployed loudspeakers and emergency apps to warn the public of the potential hazard but there is no formal order for people to stay inside.
The hunt—a reportedly “massive” operation involving police, hunters, helicopters with thermal imaging cameras and veterinary specialists—began after a “loose, dangerous animal” was reportedly sighted and filmed killing a wild pig near the German capital.
Police are working under the assumption that the animal is a lioness, according to official statements, alerts sent out on warning apps and comments to the media.
Police said they had still not found the escaped animal as of Thursday morning and are continuing their search.
German police have said it’s not clear where the animal could have come from. Of nearby facilities that could keep a lion, including zoos—Berlin has two—animal shelters and circuses, none have reported a missing lioness or similar animal.