A wolf bit and injured a woman in Hamburg's Altona district. Police confirmed this on Monday evening and captured the animal late that night from the Binnenalster using a loop. The environmental authority will decide on next steps.
Hamburg police confirmed to the German Press Agency that a wolf bit and injured a woman in the Altona district. Officers captured the animal late Monday evening at the Binnenalster jetty, pulling it from the water with a loop. Callers had previously reported sightings there and elsewhere in the city.
The captured wolf was transported away and handed over to the environmental authority. According to the "Hamburger Morgenpost," a decision on its future will be made on Tuesday. Police provided no initial details on the severity or location of the woman's injuries.
Wolf sightings in Hamburg have been reported since Saturday, first in parks along the Falkensteiner Ufer in Blankenese, later in Nienstedten and Othmarschen. Wolf expert Norman Stier from the Technical University of Dresden confirmed it was a wolf based on public video and photos. Police consider it likely the same animal, as multiple wolves are not expected in the area.
Wolves are generally shy and rarely attack humans. The Federal Environment Ministry cites a 2002 study by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research stating attacks are mainly due to rabies, provocation, or food conditioning. Authorities advise staying calm during encounters and not feeding wolves.
