Wolves have been at home in Bavaria again since 1996. There are currently said to be 23 animals in four border areas and there could soon be even more: it is the main mating season.
But how do I behave when I meet a wolf?
Correct behavior when encountering a wolf
It is well known that wolves live in the Veldenstein Forest in the Bayreuth district. It is apparently a pack of eight animals. Last summer, a female gave birth there, as shown by pictures from a photo trap.
So what if I see a wolf? The most important rule on the new signs in the Veldensteiner Forst is: keep calm, don’t run away and keep dogs close to you. Wildlife manager Ronja Schlosser from the government of the Upper Palatinate tells the BRthat wolves are generally more cautious. When encountering humans, they would usually assess the situation first and then run away. Her colleague Karsten Gees from Upper Franconia says: “If necessary, you can shout out loud and make yourself big, then a wolf should retreat on its own.” According to the LfU, there have been no attacks on people in Bavaria so far.
The wildlife experts also recommend not bringing dogs into the Veldenstein Forest during the mating season between mid-January and mid-March. Wolves can perceive dogs both as conspecifics and as rivals. If you encounter a wolf with your dog, it may be best to keep the dog close or behind you. From the wolf’s point of view, the dog forms a unit with the human being.
Wolf sightings should be reported
The wildlife managers of the governments of Upper Franconia and Upper Palatinate ask that Wolf sightings are reportedin order to support the wolf observations of the State Office for the Environment.
Other wolf areas in Bavaria are also in northern Lower Franconia, in northern Upper Bavaria and in the Upper Palatinate on the border with the Czech Republic.
