Predator in the national park - Wolf spotted on Norderney again: Search with drone
After the initial sighting of a wolf on a Lower Saxony North Sea island, experts have once again discovered the wild animal on Norderney. Employees of the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal and Nature Protection (NLWKN) Agency and the National Park Administration launched a drone with a thermal imaging camera in the night from Thursday to Friday for further evidence, as Jan Wagner, spokesperson for the National Park Administration, stated. The animal was again found in the resting zone of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. Previously, a wildlife camera had photographed the wolf on June 6 and 20. Experts later confirmed that it was indeed a wolf, likely a pack.
"The National Park Administration and the Hunting Association are staying vigilant and closely monitoring the situation on the island," the National Park Administration announced on Friday. So far, there have been no signs or "confirmed interactions with livestock." The National Park Administration will now install more wildlife cameras. Wolf sightings should still be reported to the National Park Administration.
Furthermore, the National Park Administration and the city of Norderney invited livestock farmers and hunters, along with a wolf expert and an expert from the state-owned Wolf Office, to a professional exchange on Friday. Information was provided about potential risks for livestock farming and protective measures that can be taken. Protective materials for livestock were also brought to the island, which can be borrowed and distributed by livestock farmers if needed.
"The event was characterized by a factual exchange and clarified the available options," the National Park Administration stated. Wolves are strictly protected under nature conservation law. Only in exceptional cases can authorities issue a capture or hunting permit. Currently, there is no indication of this on Norderney, the National Park Authority further stated.
Recently, it was speculated how the wolf could have found its way to the North Sea island. Hunters and National Park experts assume that the animal crossed the Wadden Sea at low tide from the mainland to the island. They consider it possible that the animal could also leave Norderney again via this way. Wolves have been on the move along the Lower Saxony coast for a longer time.
Communication of the City of Norderney Environmental Ministry Communication of the National Park Administration Following communication of the National Park Administration
The wolf's presence on Norderney is causing a stir in the local tourism industry, with many visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive predator. The wild animal's sightings have been adding a unique twist to the island's attractions, drawing attention to Germany's rich environmental diversity and the beauty of its national parks.
Despite the growing interest, authorities are urging caution among tourists. The National Park Administration advises visitors to keep a safe distance from the wolf and not to feed or disturb any animals in the national park. The Wadden Sea, bordering the island, is home to a variety of wildlife, and it's essential to maintain a respectful and harmonious coexistence with nature.
The wolf sightings in Norderney have also sparked debates among local residents and hunters. While some applaud the presence of the predator as a symbol of the island's untouched wilderness, others are concerned about the potential threats to their livestock and the hunting rights in the national park. The National Park Administration and hunting associations are working closely to manage the situation, educating farmers on protective measures and addressing any concerns about livestock safety.
As the wolf continues to roam the North Sea island and the neighboring national park, experts are closely monitoring the situation to understand its behavior and impact on the local ecosystem. The National Park Administration and affiliated organizations, such as NLWKN and the Wolf Office, are conducting ongoing research and studying the interactions between the wild animals and their environments to better inform conservation efforts in Germany.
As the forest towns and coastal communities along the Lower Saxony coast continue to coexist with the expanding wolf population, residents and visitors alike are embracing the incredible opportunity to witness this rare and enchanting predator in its natural habitat. The wolf's presence serves as a powerful reminder of Germany's commitment to environmental conservation and preservation while highlighting the intricate relationships between humans, wildlife, and nature.
