The mysterious drone sightings reported across the East Coast in recent weeks appear to have flown their way into the minds of Eden Prairie residents.

Eden Prairie police have fielded six drone-related complaints since last Wednesday (Dec. 11), according to police spokesperson Kari Knoll. All the reports came from areas near Flying Cloud Airport. However, when officers responded to these calls, no drones were confirmed.

In at least two instances, what residents thought were drones turned out to be something far more mundane – flashing lights atop poles or aircraft passing through the area.

These reports are part of a nationwide surge in drone sightings, with over 5,000 reported since mid-November, prompting federal investigations. Many have been attributed to heightened public awareness and misidentifications of aircraft, drones, or celestial objects. The FAA has also imposed temporary restrictions on drone flights over critical infrastructure in New Jersey and New York, citing security concerns.

Before last week’s uptick, Eden Prairie police last received a drone complaint on Sept. 2. Authorities attribute the recent spike to heightened national attention.