Wolf follows riders for 20 minutes - fear in the Greifenstein forest!

Wolf follows riders for 20 minutes - fear in the Greifenstein forest!

On December 29, 2024, two riders, Anika Haas and Marion Mutz, experienced a terrifying event in the forest near Greifenstein in the Lahn-Dill district. During their ride, accompanied by two dogs, they were persecuted by a wolf. The Situation lasted over 20 minutes, documented in a video that shows the screams of the riders, who tried to drive away the animal. Despite their efforts, the wolf persisted them on their heels, which the two women put in great fear.

The Hessian Wolfs Center has confirmed the viewing of the wolf based on the video, which increases the concern for security in the region. Moritz Frey von Hessenforst said that wolves usually do not perceive people on horses as a threat. Greifenstein has been one of the Hessian wolf territories since the monitoring year 2022/23. A total of five such territories were confirmed in Hesse for the monitoring year 2023/24: Butzbach (Wolfspaar), Greifenstein (single animal), Ludwigsau (single animal), Rüdesheim (pack) and Spangenberg (single animal) reports Merkur .

rare encounters and behaviors

The riders subsequently reported a deep fear and a feeling of helplessness. In the region around Greifenstein there has recently been an increase in crack finds, including a torn fallow deer. The wolf, who followed the riders, showed a "wolf -typical" behavior. According to the wolf center, however, there are no reports on behavioral occurrence in this area. Intensive encounters between wolves and humans are rar

The wolf's return to Germany, which was considered extinct about 150 years ago, has been due to protective measures since the 1990s. The first proven wolf in Hesse was spotted in the Reinhardswald in 2008. Since 2011 there have always been confirmed evidence in the region. The wolf is strictly protected according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, which also concerns the controversial topic of its control and possible hunting.

The state government has recently handed over the responsibilities regarding wolves from the Ministry of the Environment to Hessenforst. When encounters with wolves, it is recommended to stay calm and make noise to slowly withdraw. Moritz Frey advises to take a look at the wolf when approaching to promote de -escalation. Despite her traumatic experience, Anika Haas now completely avoids the forest, while Marion Mutz only enters the area with pepper spray The continued discussion about the wolf concerns many people, especially in regions in which the animals become at home. The security situation and the associated fears must be taken into account in the further strategy for wolf settlement so that harmonious coexistence between humans and animals is possible. Offers for information and education about wolves are therefore of great importance for the affected population.