Deer killed

DNA sample provides proof: a wolf is hunting in the Sauwald forest

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger (Symbolbild))

In the Mühlviertel it is already "almost normal" that there are wolf reports, scaring off and also DNA evidence taken from wild or farm animals that have been eaten. Now an Isegrim has also been found in the Sauwald, having feasted on a deer.

The dead and gnawed deer was found in the forest near Kopfing on November 29. DNA samples were taken from the food traces and it has now been proven that a wolf really had been feeding here. To be precise, a wolf from the "northern source population". So presumably immigrated from Bavaria or the Czech Republic. 

No risk classification
As a precautionary measure, the local population has been informed and warned to take care when walking through the Sauwald forest. However, there is no immediate danger and there have been no more wolf sightings in the area. It is likely that the predator has simply wandered through. And as long as it seeks food from wild animals in the forest, there are currently no legal means of classifying a wolf as a "risk".

Jumping in front of a jogger
The last sensational human-wolf contact to date took place on January 3rd in Windhaag near Freistadt. There, a wolf or wolfhound jumped in front of a jogger and could only be scared off by shouting. This wolf was classified as a potential high-risk wolf - but as it had not yet attracted attention a second time, no shooting permit was issued.