European wolves have returned to Germany from the forests of Eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War.
A westward migration of wolves from Eastern Europe has brought them into areas of Germany where the wild canines have not been seen in centuries.
Wildlife officials say the wolves are increasing being found in residential areas, even on the outskirts of large cities like Berlin.
The trend follows earlier increases in the number of red foxes, which the wolves feed on. Wolves and foxes are only the start of a resurgence in wildlife unseen since the Middle Ages, according to biologist Josef Reichholf of the University of Munich.
“Weasels and otters and raccoons are already well re-establishing themselves,” he told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
“And the European moose elk is poised to move westward,” he added.
German health experts have said that wolves are helpful in removing road kill and other cadavers, which can pollute rivers and lakes.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons