The Nature and Forest Agency is investigating whether a wolf was responsible for the deaths of two sheep near Dahl, with DNA test results expected in the coming weeks.

Two sheep were recently discovered dead in a meadow near Dahl, their injuries indicating they were killed by a predator.

In a press release on Thursday, the Nature and Forest Agency stated that an initial investigation could not rule out the possibility of a wolf being responsible. To confirm this, genetic samples were collected from the bite wounds of one of the sheep in hopes of extracting usable DNA from saliva. These samples have been sent to the Senckenberg Institute in Gelnhausen, Germany, a leading laboratory in this field. Results are expected in the coming weeks.

The agency highlighted that traces of lone wolves have been regularly documented in Luxembourg since 2017. It also noted the re-establishment of wolf packs in neighbouring regions, such as the Hautes-Fagnes area in Belgium, where wolves have been present for several years.

Emphasising the wolf's ecological role, the Nature and Forest Agency underscored that Luxembourg is prepared for the species' return through its Action and Management Plan for wolves.

Guidelines for wolf encounters

While wolves are typically shy and avoid human contact, the agency provided advice for situations where a wolf encounter might occur:

  • Do not run, as this could trigger the wolf's hunting instinct.
  • Avoid moving toward the wolf. Maintain visual awareness without making direct eye contact.
  • Attract the wolf's attention by shouting and waving your arms. If it does not retreat, slowly back away while maintaining a safe distance.
  • If the wolf continues to approach, continue shouting and throw objects like branches or stones.
  • Never attempt to attract a wolf with food (not even to take pictures).