Wolf Sightings Spark Concern in Southern Hamburg
Hamburg, February 11 – Recent wolf sightings in the southern Hamburg districts of Fliegenberg and Rönneburg have sparked concern among residents. Mobile phone footage captured wolves near the Elbe dyke and in the Rönneburg district in recent days. Authorities stress that there is no immediate danger from the animals.
Expert Confirms Wolf Presence and Offers Advice
Bernard Wegener, a hunter, confirmed the presence of a wolf based on the video from the Elbe dyke. He noted that it’s impossible to determine the wolf’s gender from the footage. The sighting occurred on the outskirts of Hamburg, bordering Lower Saxony.
Wegener emphasized that wolves generally do not pose an immediate threat to humans. “Wolves are not greatly interested in us humans. However, they are no longer shy. They have adapted,” he explained. Younger wolves, typically between 10 and 22 months old, are known to leave their packs and can sometimes approach humans within ten meters due to curiosity.
Should one encounter a wolf, Wegener advises to “stand still, assert dominance, and if necessary, raise your arms and shout at the wolf with a dominant voice.”
Second Sighting in Rönneburg
On Tuesday evening, an NDR viewer filmed a wolf walking in the middle of a street in the Hamburg district of Rönneburg from their car. Wegener could not confirm if it was the same animal as the one seen at the Elbe dyke.
Wolves: A Divisive Topic
The return of wolves often generates strong opinions, especially on social media. “The wolf polarizes very strongly,” said Bernard Wegener. “Some say: ‘Great that it’s back’. Others say: ‘Oh my God, we are afraid for our children’.” He advocates for a more relaxed approach, urging people to report wolf sightings to official wolf monitoring bodies rather than immediately posting them on social media. “We need these reports to record the wolf population,” he added.
Wolf Responsible for Sheep Attacks in Marmstorf
Approximately two weeks ago, two sheep were killed in the Hamburg district of Marmstorf. The environmental authority has now confirmed, through genetic testing, that a wolf was responsible for these attacks.
Managing ‘Problem Wolves’
Agricultural ministers are pushing for improved wolf management strategies, though there is no intention to eradicate the wolf population. The focus remains on finding solutions for peaceful coexistence, particularly in areas like the Uelzen district, where wolves have lived for many years.
This topic was also featured on NDR Television’s “Hamburg Journal” on February 11, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/genprobe-zeigt-wolf-fuer-schafsrisse-in-hamburg-verantwortlich,wolf-496.html
