Titled: Wolves on the Move in Hesse: A New Pair and Shifting Habitats
That's right, folks, it's another round of wolf sightings and encounters in Hesse, Germany. The latest reports include a deceased calf, two wolves bidding their final farewells, and a new pair of wolves joining the party.
First up, on October 27, a dead calf was discovered in Waldeck, Waldeck-Frankenberg district. Despite the absence of genetic wolf traces, wolf droppings were found nearby, leading experts at the Hesse Wolf Center at the State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) in Wiesbaden, to speculate that the calf met its end at the jaws of a wolf.
Moving on, near Ludwigsau in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district, a dead wolf was uncovered on October 28. This male wolf belonged to a pack hailing from Gederland in the Netherlands, according to HLNUG officials. The wolf had first attracted attention back in North Rhine-Westphalia near Lippetal on May 7. The cause of death for this wolf is yet to be determined.
The macabre roll call continued with another male wolf, this time struck by a car on the Autobahn 5 near Alsfeld. This unfortunate incident occurred on November 6. The wolf had previously been recorded near Braunlage in Lower Saxony back in February 28.
Meanwhile, in Butzbach's wolf territory, located in the Wetterau district, a male wolf, recognized as a resident since March 2022, welcomed a new partner. The mysterious female was first genetically identified in August and October 2023.
The pair's union is not the only news in the Butzbach wolf territory. The Kassel Administrative Court recently halted the temporary shooting of two wolves in the Rhön region. The shooting permit, it was determined, was unlawful as it enabled the wolves to take the lives of several farm animals in the Hessian-Bavarian border region.
Despite the challenges and conflicts that arise, wolves have now established a presence in Hesse for over a century and a half. Initially believed to be extinct, the shy and well-protected predators have successfully reestablished themselves in the area, much to the dismay of livestock farmers.
Digging deeper, we uncover more insights:
- Wolf Deaths in Hesse: In the year 2025, 12 wolves were discovered dead in Hesse, with reasons ranging from illegal killings, natural causes, and unexplained reasons.
- Wolf Conservation Efforts: While the details for the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district are scarce, overall conservation efforts in Hesse focus on protecting natural habitats and addressing conflicts between humans and wolves[1].
Sources:
Enrichment Data:
1. Wolf Deaths in Hesse: According to the DBBW-E statistics, 12 wolves were found deceased in Hesse during 2025, causing concern among conservationists and researchers. The causes vary but include human activities, natural causes, and other unidentified reasons.
2. Wolf Conservation Efforts: In an effort to preserve and protect wolf populations in Hesse, wildlife management initiatives focus on maintaining essential habitats, providing necessary resources, and minimizing conflicts between humans and wolves[1].
[1]: Source not provided
