After an extensive 36-hour search, authorities in Berlin have concluded that the suspected lioness spotted earlier this week is most likely a wild boar. The hunt, which involved helicopters, drones, infrared cameras, veterinarians, and hunters, has been officially called off.
The initial alarm was raised around midnight on Wednesday when residents of Kleinmachnow, a town just outside Berlin, reported seeing a large cat-like animal chasing a wild boar. A video provided by witnesses seemed to corroborate the sighting, leading police to believe a lioness was on the loose.
However, despite thorough searches of the wooded areas bordering Berlin and Brandenburg, no trace of a lioness, any unusual wildlife (besides the common wild boars), or any animal carcasses were found. Mayor Michael Grubert of Kleinmachnow addressed the public, stating that expert analysis of the original video suggests the animal in question was likely a wild boar.
Two independent animal experts reviewed the footage and determined that the creature's rounded back and thick legs, visible in the dimly lit video, were more consistent with a wild boar than a lioness. Mayor Grubert assured residents that there is no immediate danger and that regular vigilance will resume. He defended the scale of the search operation as justified given the perceived threat to public safety.
While the search has concluded, authorities are prepared to reinstate the operation if new evidence emerges. The cost of the extensive search has not yet been disclosed.
