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| Johan Geiler von Kaisersberg (1516) |
Wolves were exterminated in Germany in the 19th century, but a new study by the German federal government finds that wolves are recolonizing Germany from Poland. Six wolves in Saxony were collared with tracking devices to find out when young wolves leave their parental pack and where they go. It is the first study undertaken in central Europe of wolf movements. Scientists found that wolves can travel large distances, up to 70km (43.5 miles) a day. The study shows males tend to roam farther afield. One young male left his Belarus pack at 12 months old and travelled an amazing 1,550kms (963miles) Wolves are very adaptable animals and can live near humans. Some young wolves in the study made a home in several caves just 500 meters from a busy road. The first pack that migrated from Poland was discovered in Germany about 11 years ago. Since then wildlife officials believe 12 packs, several pairs and a few lone wolves now make their home in Germany. Twenty wolves have been counted roaming the Lusatia region of eastern Germany. With the wolves' return comes fear mongering by anti-wolf groups and Germans are no exception. An anti-wolf association claimed in the mass circulation daily
Bild that once wolves become numerous they will pose a threat to humans, and hunting groups in Saxony want permission to shoot them. Computer modelings indicate sufficient lowland habitat to theoretically support approximately 440 wolf packs with more room in the Alps. The average territory size was found to be 172km² (66.4mi²)
