Overview
- County officials in Grafschaft Bentheim approved the targeted removal of up to two wolves, with the order valid until June 15.
- Investigators counted at least 57 sheep dead and more than 100 injured on a fenced pasture of about 1,200 hectares used for grazing.
- Laboratory tests confirmed wolf DNA on the carcasses, and further checks are assessing whether one animal or several were involved.
- The permit was coordinated with Lower Saxony’s environment ministry and issued under Section 22 of the Federal Hunting Act, which now allows regulated removal of problem wolves.
- Authorities said the flock cannot be moved from the conservation site and ordered hunters to avoid shooting nursing females to protect the local population.