Credit: Silviu Chiriac
Luxembourg's Ministry of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development has confirmed that last Sunday in Koerich-Simmern, a concrete indication of the presence of a wolf was made.
On the basis of a contact from a member of the public, the nature administration could follow the footprints of a large canine for about 400m in the snow. Based on the footprints, it could not be ruled out that a wolf was in this area. In the snow, a urine sample was also collected, which was sent for genetic analysis to the Senckenberg Institute in Gelnhausen (D), which is the reference laboratory in this area. The results can be expected in a few weeks.
In July 2017, the Nature Administration in the Garnich area had for the first time in 124 years provided proof of a wolf in Luxembourg, and in February 2018 one was also identified as being in the Fouhren area.
Any evidence pointing to the presence of wolves should be reported immediately to the Nature Department (Email: wolf@anf.etat.lu).
"Wolf" Action Plan
The wolf is strictly protected throughout Europe. Over the last few years, Luxembourg has prepared for the possible return of the wolf in order to define the handling of this species from the outset. This is done in the action and management plan for the handling of wolves in Luxembourg, which was developed together with all stakeholders from agriculture, science, nature conservation, private forest owners and hunting and presented to the public in early 2017.
Wolves are shy creatures
Wolves usually avoid direct contact with humans. Encounters between humans and wolves 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 take a closer look at humans before retreating. In the booklet "Wolves in Luxembourg?" you will find, among many other information about the wolf, rules of conduct that should be observed in the event of encountering the wolf.
The "Wolf" action plan and the booklet are available free of charge from the Nature Administration at 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 can also be found online at www.emwelt.lu.
