The Department of the Environment at Luxembourg's Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructures has confirmed that there has been a concrete sighting of wolves in the south of the Grand Duchy.
Last Wednesday, a wolf was spotted in the Leudelange-Bettemburg area. A farmer had seen a wolf-like animal at around 11:45 from his tractor and photographed it in the headlights. After a thorough examination of all important criteria, the experts of the nature administration confirmed that on the basis of the photo, it can not be excluded that the animal is a wolf.
However, the observation can not be categorised as 100% proof, because in the photo, due to the large distance, not all criteria are clearly recognisable, which are necessary for a "clear proof". The nature administration, however, is currently proceeding with great probability from the presence of a wolf. As wolves walk a lot, the observed animal can now be found in a completely different area. All references to the presence of wolves should be reported immediately to the nature administration (email: wolf@anf.etat.lu).
The "Wolf" action plan has been finalised and presented to the public
The wolf is strictly protected throughout Europe. In the last few years Luxembourg has already prepared for the possible return of the wolf in order to define the handling of this species from the outset. This is being done by way of the action and management plan for dealing with wolves in Luxembourg, which was created and presented to the public together with actors from agriculture, science, nature conservation, private forest owners and hunting.
Wolves are very shy; brochure provides information on behavioural rules
Wolves usually avoid direct contact with humans. Encounters between man and wolf are therefore extremely rare, but not impossible. As a rule, wolves retreat as soon as they notice a human being, but they can also be curious and look at the human being before retreating. In the brochure "Wolves in Luxembourg?" You will find, among other information about the wolf, behavioural rules which should be observed in the event of a meeting a wolf.
The "Wolf" action plan as well as the brochure on behavioural rules are available free of charge from tel: 402201-1 as well as in the visitor centres of the administration: Mirador in Steinfort, A Wiewesch in Manternach, Ellergronn in Esch-Alzette, Biodiversum in Remerschen and Burfelt near Insenborn. It is also available online at www.emwelt.lu.
Photo by Gaston Origer
