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Baden‑Württemberg Authorizes Killing of Hornisgrinde Wolf as Conservationists Seek Court Block

Officials say the time‑limited exception follows failed non‑lethal measures.

Overview

  • The environment ministry issued an exception allowing an anonymous specialist team to shoot GW2672m, with the permit valid until 10 March.
  • Authorities cite repeated close approaches to household dogs and people during the mating season, plus growing “wolf tourism” and attempts to lure the animal.
  • Attempts since mid‑2024 to capture the wolf for tagging and aversive conditioning were unsuccessful, according to the ministry.
  • The Naturschutzinitiative filed a lawsuit and an emergency injunction at the Stuttgart administrative court to halt the planned killing, arguing EU law would be breached given only four established wolves in the state.
  • Political debate has escalated over the timing before the March 8 state election and proposals to place wolves under hunting law; if the wolf is shot, the carcass must be delivered to the FVA for identity verification.