Near ClervauxWolf sighting confirmed in northern Luxembourg

A wolf was confirmed to be roaming Luxembourg’s Kiischpelt-Clervaux region last Friday, according to the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF). The agency verified the animal’s identity through photographs taken at two separate locations, with experts carefully analysing key identification criteria before reaching their conclusion.

While the ANF confirmed the wolf’s presence on Friday, its current whereabouts remain unknown. “At this stage, we cannot determine whether the animal is still in Luxembourg or merely passing through,” the agency stated in a Tuesday press release.

For monitoring purposes, the public is asked to report any possible sightings of wolves to the agency immediately by emailing wolf@anf.etat.lu.

Luxembourg has recorded sporadic wolf sightings since 2017, though only lone wolves have been documented. By contrast, established wolf packs have been gradually repopulating neighbouring regions, including Belgium’s Hautes Fagnes and parts of the Netherlands.

The ANF emphasised that wolves typically avoid human interaction. “Encounters are extremely rare but not impossible,” the agency noted, explaining that while wolves usually retreat upon detecting people, they may occasionally exhibit curiosity before moving away.

The informational guide “Wölfe in Luxemburg” (Wolves in Luxembourg) details essential safety measures for potential wolf encounters:

• Do not feed or lure wolves, even to take pictures.
• Avoid running, as this may trigger predatory instincts.
• Maintain your position – do not advance toward the animal.
• Keep the wolf in sight while observing its behaviour.
• Avert direct eye contact.
• Make your presence known by calling out to it and waving your arms.

If the wolf does not retreat:

• Slowly create distance while facing the animal.
• If approached, escalate deterrence by throwing nearby objects like stones or branches.