Bremen: DNA test confirms wolf sighting
After several wolf sightings in the city of Bremen, it is now clear that a wolf did indeed run through Bremen-Hastedt at the end of October. The results from the Center for Wildlife Genetics for the DNA samples sent in for an animal observed on 22 October are available, the state hunting association announced on its website. "The animal is a true-to-species male wolf (born in 2022 in northern Saxony)."
According to the report, the wolf was last identified after a bite at the end of August in the Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen. Radio Bremen initially reported on the confirmation.
Jumped over 1.60 meter high fence
According to a spokesperson for the Bremen State Hunting Association, the wolf was spotted in two small gardens in Bremen in October. In one garden, the predator tried to bite through a fence and injured itself on a plastic covering. On the initiative of the state hunting association, a DNA sample was secured, the spokesman reported. According to witnesses, the wolf, injured and bleeding from the mouth, finally jumped out of the garden from a standing position over a 1.60 meter high fence and ran away.
The Bremen environment department confirmed the wolf sightings at the end of October and assumed that a single young wolf had strayed into the urban area. "At this time of year, young wolves break away from their packs and wander long distances in search of a territory or conspecifics," a spokesperson for the department said.
Highest possible protection status
In Germany, the federal states are responsible for wolf management, but the wolf is strictly protected by international and national laws and has the highest possible protection status. Time and again, wolves get over fences and kill livestock. Numerous politicians are calling for the growing wolf population to be limited. Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke wants to make it easier to shoot wolves after they have been killed.
- Despite the high fence, the wild animal, identified as a male wolf born in 2022 in northern Saxony, managed to jump over 1.60 meters high, causing injuries in a garden.
- The sighting of the wolf in two small gardens in Bremen during October raised concerns in the agriculture community, as animals like this wild predator can pose a threat to livestock.
- While the wolf is a protected species, the growing population and instances of animals like wolves crossing into urban areas and attacking domestic animals have sparked discussions about the need for wildlife management policies that strike a balance between animal protection and agriculture.
Source: www.dpa.com
