Dead wolf in Lam: Police investigate suspected conservationists!

Dead wolf in Lam: Police investigate suspected conservationists!

At the end of October, a dead wolf that was found in the Lam municipality in the Cham district caused a stir. The investigation at the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) showed that the animal was not shot, but bitten by a member of its species. The wolf was clearly identified as such; however, officials are still awaiting further results on assigning them to a specific population. BR.de reports that the Bad Kötzting police assume that the wolf originally lived on the Czech side and was brought to Germany illegally.

The man who brought the wolf to the police is now suspected of violating the Federal Nature Conservation Act and faking a crime. Interestingly, he is a volunteer member of the “Large Carnivore” network, which aims to monitor and protect the habitat of these animals. Hikers found the dead animal and immediately informed the police. The State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) sharply criticized the behavior of this volunteer; he should not have moved the animal.

Decline in the wolf population in Bavaria

The wolf population in Bavaria currently appears to be in a stagnating state. In the monitoring year 2024/2025, only six packs with 19 puppies were detected, while in the previous year there were seven packs and 35 puppies. Uwe Friedel, a wolf expert, expressed suspicion that illegal shooting and poisoning could be responsible for this decline. The density of territories in Bavaria is significantly lower than in other regions of Germany, which leads to a lack of young talent in central and southern Bavaria.

In addition, another dead wolf with a confirmed gunshot wound is being examined in Upper Franconia. These incidents shed light on the challenges facing large predators in Bavaria. Monitoring the wolf population is supported by the “Large Carnivore Network”, which includes around 140 volunteers who are committed to protecting wolves.

While wolf numbers are declining in Bavaria, reports from other parts of the world show that hunting and the use of appropriate ammunition can be important for wildlife populations. For example, an author in the USA used the 7.62×39 cartridge to hunt deer and wild boar and had positive experiences, as shown below ArkansasHunting.net reports. Such discussions about hunting methods could also provide exciting impulses in Europe, especially with regard to the management of wild animal populations.

Given this complex situation, it is to be hoped that future measures to protect and monitor wolves in Bavaria will be effective so that these fascinating animals can be preserved for future generations.