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Possible Brown Bear Trace Found in Bavaria’s Allgäu

Genetic tests at the national Senckenberg lab will show whether the scat is from a bear and could identify its origin.

Overview

  • Local authorities recovered suspect scat in the southern Oberallgäu and sent samples on an expedited request to the Senckenberg Zentrum für Wildtiergenetik for DNA analysis.
  • The genetic lab is the national reference centre and officials do not expect an immediate result, with the agency saying results will be published once available.
  • Search teams have systematically checked the area but, as of the latest reports, have found no other unambiguous evidence of a bear.
  • Officials have advised farmers to stable animals at night, use herd protection, keep dogs on leash, and urge hikers not to leave food or waste that could attract wildlife.
  • The finding fits a pattern of occasional northward dispersal from a Trentino reintroduction population of roughly 100+ bears and follows a recent sighting by farmers in Thiersee and the last confirmed Allgäu photo from May 2023.