After the genetic analysis

The barracks wolf became a harmless deer

What is certain is that a deer (symbolic image) roamed through the Hörsching barracks - who knows if the wolf was really there?(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger © Daniel Scharinger)

The "Leopard" remains the most dangerous animal in the Hörsching barracks - as a tank. Because as of now, the barracks grounds are officially a wolf-free zone again. A genetic analysis following an alleged wolf sighting at the Vogler airbase gave the all-clear.

The genetic analysis of the droppings and hair samples that were sent in after the wolf sighting of a cadre soldier on the night of January 21 had been eagerly awaited.

Hunting experts were skeptical from the outset as to whether these droppings belonged to a predator. This is because the droppings of a wolf look very characteristic - they usually also contain fur remnants from meals. In Hörsching, on the other hand, "Bemmerl" were collected. And these usually come from hares or deer.

The alarm was raised at the Hörsching barracks on the night of January 21st.(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger © Daniel Scharinger)

Prey instead of predator
What seemed obvious has now been proven by science: deer DNA was found in the "Bemmerln", meaning that the predator had mutated into a prey animal. The employees of the barracks were informed by letter that the loot "contains no detectable predator DNA".

Mühlviertel's "Isegrim" can breathe a sigh of relief
But not only the soldiers in the barracks can breathe a sigh of relief, but also the high-risk wolf that was released for shooting at the beginning of the year. This is because the "withdrawal period", pronounced after two culls around Schönau im Mühlkreis, has expired without a shot being fired.

The last documented wolf sighting was on January 23rd in St. Oswald/H. - there is also photographic evidence of this. The province's wolf management department has received 17 reports so far this year.