Wolf searched gardens in Bautzen - now it's dead - Gloria, 13-Year-Old Wolf, Dies After Unusual Urban Appearance
A 13-year-old female wolf, known as Gloria (WT 1365), caused a stir in Bautzen, Saxony, after being spotted in gardens. Gloria's unusual behaviour and advanced age led to increased monitoring. Tragically, her decomposed body was found in Elsterheide on September 30, 2023.
Gloria was first seen in late August, approaching residential buildings and gardens. Her behaviour was unusual as wolves typically avoid human contact. The intensified monitoring revealed she was sick and infected with mange, which can cause wolves to seek out easily accessible food and heat sources like compost piles. Gloria's advanced age made her one of the oldest documented in the Saxon Wolf Monitoring program. Despite her condition, Gloria's death was due to natural causes, according to the Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology.
Gloria's case was exceptional due to her age and unusual behaviour. Her story has sparked significant attention and further investigation. The discovery of her carcass has brought closure to the unusual events that unfolded in Bautzen.
