Hunters in Poland have spotted a large cat prowling in an area around the village of Osiek-Wólka, about 75 kilometres north of Warsaw, the Fakt tabloid reported on Monday.
The animal, which was seen at night through binoculars, looked similar to a puma, according to the report, which cited the local crisis centre. Tracks were later found in the area.
"It wasn't a little kitten but a large cat," the crisis centre spokesman said, noting that a puma could travel up to 35 kilometres a day, meaning it could since have vanished from the area.
People in the region were urged to avoid forests and wooded areas and not to let children play outside unsupervised. They were also told not to approach the animal.
Forestry officials are patrolling the area, and wildlife cameras have also been installed.
Pumas are native to North and South America. So far, Polish authorities haven't received any reports that a puma has escaped from a local zoo or a licensed breeding facility.