Puma Captured in Polanów After Forest Manhunt

Authorities successfully tranquilized and captured a puma in the Polanów municipality on Monday morning after the animal was lured out of the forest near the village of Karsinka.

The Capture and Likely Relocation

The puma was apprehended following the use of bait set up near Karsinka. On Sunday afternoon, the animal emerged from the forest, allowing responders to successfully deploy a tranquilizer dart, as reported by Rmf24.pl.

Officials indicate that the predator will most likely be transferred to the Poznań Zoo.

Initial Sightings and Behavioral Observations

The operation began several days ago after a hunter recorded close-up footage of the animal. Maciej Wiórek from the Regional Directorate of State Forests noted that the puma appeared unresponsive to noise and warning shots, suggesting the animal might be elderly or partially deaf.

Municipal Response and Precautionary Measures

Following reports to the Manowo Forest District, the Polanów municipal government established a crisis management team and issued warnings to residents, urging them to avoid forests near Karsinka and Rekowo. Specialized wildlife removal experts from Szczecin and forest patrols were deployed to locate the animal.

History of Predator Alerts in West Pomerania

This is not the first instance of suspected big cat sightings in the region. In late January, the Będzino municipality issued a warning regarding a potential puma or cheetah after a camera trap captured footage in Strachomino, though that animal was never located or captured.