Sick female wolf euthanized after sightings near Herrnhut
A sick female wolf has been captured and euthanized in Saxony. The generally poor state of health of the cub made it doubtful that it would be able to survive the winter, as the State Office for Environmental Protection, Agriculture and Geology announced on Tuesday. The puppy was severely malnourished and suffered from advanced mange infestation. The carcass is to be transferred to the Leibnitz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin for further examination.
According to the office, several sightings of a weakened-looking young wolf were received on Sunday in the Herrnhut district of Großhennersdorf (Görlitz district). The animal was caught during a search and taken to a vet. The increased number of sightings suggested that the young female wolf was seeking shelter from the winter weather. She was apparently chased away from a farmyard by a dog. It was feared that the she-wolf would have sought out potential warming or feeding grounds again after being released, according to reports.
The Specialist Wolf Unit asked people to report sightings or encounters with wolves. This would allow them to react to conspicuous situations as quickly as possible. Information can be submitted by telephone, email or online via the specialist agency's website.
The euthanization of the sick wolf sparked concerns about animal welfare in the community. Individuals should be vigilant during emergencies involving wild animals, particularly if they notice weakened-looking animals such as wolves.
Source: www.dpa.com
