German Wolf Faces Execution Order for Being 'Too Friendly' with Hikers
A wild wolf in Germany's iconic Black Forest has become the subject of an intense legal battle after authorities ordered its execution for displaying what they describe as "atypical behaviour." The wolf, identified only as GW2672m, faces being shot after repeatedly approaching walkers and their dogs, and even appearing to pose for photographs with hikers.
Legal Battle Over Wolf's Fate
Environment Minister Thekla Walker granted an exceptional licence permitting the wolf to be shot, arguing that its behaviour represents a significant departure from normal wolf conduct. The animal has been photographed in numerous selfies taken by walkers throughout the Black Forest region, with some encounters occurring at distances as close as six metres.
The conservation group Naturschutzinitiative has filed an emergency case at the Stuttgart Administrative Court, which has temporarily halted the planned shooting while judges examine whether the kill order complies with legal requirements. Wolves in Germany enjoy strict protection under European Union law, with lethal measures permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Contrasting Encounters with the Animal
Michaela Jung, 59, from Baden-Baden, described a peaceful encounter with the wolf while walking with her husband and dog near Herrenwies. "Suddenly my husband said, 'There's a wolf behind us.' I turned around and the wolf was looking at us. Calm, curious, completely relaxed. It was a mystical moment. Absolutely magnificent," she told reporters.
Jung photographed the animal and submitted the images to wildlife authorities. When she later learned the wolf might be killed, she was devastated. "When I heard on the radio that the wolf might be killed, I was horrified and desperate. I started crying. I opened my laptop and launched a petition immediately," she explained.
Another walker, Edyta Musiol, 44, reported filming the curious wolf and also initiated a separate online petition. "The wolf was about 50 metres away. He looked at us — my partner and me. A beautiful animal. Curious, but respectful," she recalled.
Concerns About Safety and Behaviour
Not all encounters have been welcomed, however. Matthias Wiegert from Sasbach reported feeling shaken after coming face to face with the wolf. "I'm torn about the planned shooting. It was an oppressive feeling, standing eye to eye with the wolf. Since then, my solo walks in the forest have dropped by about 80 per cent," he said.
The environment ministry has defended its decision, stating that all attempts to capture the wolf alive have failed. Officials have also noted an increase in what they term "wolf tourism," with people deliberately seeking out sightings of the animal in the Black Forest.
Conservationists Challenge the Decision
Conservationists argue that frequent sightings and a lack of natural shyness do not meet the legal threshold required for lethal intervention under European protection laws. They maintain that the wolf's willingness to be photographed and its calm demeanour around humans do not constitute sufficient grounds for execution.
According to the state farmers' association, there have been more than 180 reported sightings of the wolf, contributing to the controversy surrounding its behaviour and the appropriate response from authorities.
For now, wolf GW2672m remains alive — not because the state has withdrawn its order, but because a court has intervened to examine the legality of the proposed action. The case continues to highlight the complex relationship between wildlife conservation, public safety, and legal protections for endangered species in modern Europe.
