240 dead wolves in Saxony: alarming numbers and illegal killings!

240 dead wolves in Saxony: alarming numbers and illegal killings!

The news about wolves in Saxony is worrying. In the last 25 years, 240 wolves have been found dead here, like this Time reported. These figures come from the federal documentation and advice center on wolves. What is particularly alarming is that only Brandenburg with 405 and Lower Saxony with 314 recorded even higher numbers of dead finds.

A closer look at the causes of death in Saxony is also revealing. Of the 240 deaths, 162 died in traffic accidents and 21 were killed illegally. 34 died of natural causes, while the causes of several cases remained unclear. It should be mentioned that 33 dead wolves have already been recorded in the current monitoring year (2023/2024), four of which were killed illegally. This number has doubled compared to the previous year.

Illegal killings are increasing

The increasing number of illegal killings is alarming. Three cases were registered in the Bautzen district and another case in the Görlitz district, although the number of unreported cases is probably significantly higher. The Saxony State Criminal Police Office, in collaboration with the Görlitz public prosecutor's office, is calling for measures to combat this wildlife crime. The prohibited stalking of wolves can be punished with prison sentences of between three months and five years as well as high fines. Dangerous bait and snap traps are often used; This is also reflected in reports that injured animals in the affected regions need to be checked.

As the DBB Wolf two of the illegally killed animals died from being shot at, while others may have been seriously injured by bait. These incidents not only impact the welfare of wolves, but also the proper management of wildlife in the region.

Wildlife crime prevention project

To counteract this growing problem, a project called “wildLIFEcrime” is starting. This project, based on collaboration between nature conservation associations, police and scientific institutions, aims to reduce wildlife crime in Germany and Austria by 2028 Wolf protection Germany reported. This crime poses a threat to rare species, particularly in Central Europe. The need to improve cooperation between civil society, science and authorities in order to be able to propose effective measures to combat it is also highlighted.

It is important that measures are taken both regionally and nationally to enable wolves to return safely to their natural habitats. The number of unreported cases of illegal killings clearly shows that there is a need for action. How long can we continue to watch these animals being threatened? A collective rethink and a strong call to action are needed to protect this valuable wild animal.