The nursery school is located in the Christianslust forest. The forest polarises: on the one hand, it is a popular destination for hikers and families but, on the other hand, it is also the home of a wolf who has been known to kill sheep of local farmers on several occasions.
Officials said they did not want to take any risks and consequently decided to close the nursery school until further notice. They also advised against walks in the forests.
The children were transferred to another school in a neighbouring village.
Indignant shepherds meanwhile turned to Germany’s Minister for the Environment Jan Philipp Albrecht for help. The latter said they would consider eliminating the wolf once it was “legally possible.” Under German law, the wolf can only shot once it has been proven that the animal managed to overcome an intact fence on at least two occasions. Two previous attacks on sheep did not count because the fences in question were damaged.
