Overview
- The Higher Administrative Court in Mannheim dismissed two urgent appeals, making the Baden‑Württemberg ministry’s removal permit final and immediately enforceable until 10 March 2026.
- A small specialist removal team has begun operations to locate and shoot the male wolf GW2672m under the §45(7) BNatSchG exception.
- Any animal killed must be handed promptly to the state forestry research institute (FVA) to confirm the correct individual before further action proceeds.
- Authorities documented more than 180 sightings since early 2024, including frequent close approaches to people with dogs and growing “wolf tourism,” and judges found deterrence, access limits or leash mandates ineffective.
- Conservation groups argue only four resident wolves are confirmed in the state, but the court evaluated conservation status at the broader population level, while the case has triggered petitions, protests and renewed calls to add the wolf to federal hunting law.