Annegret Hilse/Reuters
- Two pedestrians in Berlin filmed a large cat — believed to be a lion — hunting a wild boar.
- The search started on July 20, with officials using helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras.
- Berlin officials warned residents to keep their animals and children inside during the search.
Officials in Berlin are using helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras as they scramble to locate a lion reported to be roaming free in the city.
The beast was first spotted by two pedestrians who filmed what appeared to be a large cat chasing a boar, The Guardian reported. After they sent their footage to the police, officials said they believed the animal to be a lioness. Two officers reported separate sightings of the suspected lioness overnight, but as of Thursday evening, they have yet to track it down.
A veterinarian and two hunters also joined the search, the Associated Press reported, alongside 30 police cars. Officials have been authorized to either stun or kill the animal.
German officials told The Guardian there are no nearby zoos or animal sanctuaries that have reported a missing animal. As a precaution, officials warned families to keep their children and farm animals inside until the search is complete.