Wolves looking for a partner: Caution at encounters in Upper Franconia!

Wolves looking for a partner: Caution at encounters in Upper Franconia!

The rancid time of the wolves has started and attracts special attention in the coming months. The animals are particularly active from January to March, which increases the likelihood of encounters between humans and wolf. This phase is crucial for the wolves because young animals leave the family pack and seek their own territories. Due to these unpredictable movements, encounters with people cannot be ruled out. However, wolves usually avoid contact with people, while in particular inexperienced young animals tend to be curious.

In Upper Franconia there are currently 32 secure wolf evidence from 2024, documented in the Bayreuth, Hof and Wunsiedel districts. In January 2025, two further evidence from the Forchheim district was added. The evidence is usually based on genetic analyzes or photographs, and the average size of a wolf pack is between five and ten animals. A wolf pack defends a territory of around 250 square kilometers and can cover speeds of 20 to 30 kilometers every day, whereby hiking up to 80 kilometers a day in search of new territory.

wolves in Upper Franconia

In the Bayreuth and Hof counties, two wolf packs are classified as a faithfulness to the location, which means that their presence has been demonstrated over a longer period of time. The wolves mainly feed on deer, deer and wild boar, with the proportion of farm animal risks only less than two percent. Nevertheless, there were two attacks on farm animals in 2024, in which a total of ten sheep were torn. The main reason for these incidents was a lack of herd protection, which is why the Free State of Bavaria offers financial support for herd protection measures.

The wolf monitoring methodology in Bavaria follows the Scalp criteria that are used internationally for monitoring larger prey. Evidence are divided into categories, including facts and confirmations that serve to evaluate information on wolves. Data on wolf population has been recorded and continuously updated in the Bavarian Forest National Park since 2017.

handling of bears and wolves

similar to wolves, bears can also be observed in the Bavarian forests. Half -growing bears are looking for new territories, which leads to overarching management concepts under the alpine concention. Bears are loners and avoid human areas, but are looking for food at night. The growing bear population requires measures to minimize attacks on farm animals. Prevention measures such as fences, housing and the use of protective dogs are crucial.

In addition, it is advisable to keep a distance and stay calm when meeting bears. Reports of sightings, cracks or other references to bears or wolves should be forwarded to the department of large prey mason of the Bavarian State Office for the Environment. The recording of this data helps to effectively design the protection and management of the great prey in Bavaria.

The education about the natural instincts and behaviors of these animals is important to protect both the wildlife and to ensure the safety of people. Specialist authorities are ready to provide information about herd protection and the message of information, which promotes responsible use of nature.