New wolf territory on the border with Saxony

Two wolves have moved into territory in the border region between Thuringia and Saxony. The Competence Center for Wolf, Beaver and Lynx has now officially confirmed the Altenburger Land as wolf territory, as announced by the Thuringian Ministry of the Environment. The pair of wolves had repeatedly fallen into so-called photo traps over several weeks. The repeated images from these traps are considered proof of a wolf territory.

According to current findings, the newly designated territory on the Thuringian side extends from Leinawald via Gößnitz to Göpfersdorf. The ministry assumes that the animals in the border region could also be on the move in Saxony.

Wolves have already killed livestock in the region

According to the ministry, wolves have already killed grazing animals in the region. Affected owners have been advised. In addition, a further information event is planned for the coming year in the region. Both Thuringia and Saxony pay compensation to shepherds and other livestock owners under certain conditions if wolves kill grazing animals.

Significantly more wolves in Saxony

In Thuringia, there are now six official wolf territories with the new area. The competence center estimates that there are 25 permanent residents. In Saxony, the number is significantly higher: the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology has so far identified 46 wolf territories for the 2024/2025 monitoring year. This includes 35 wolf packs, ten wolf pairs and one territorial lone wolf. According to an overview, the specialist agency has not yet identified any official wolf territories on the border with Thuringia.