Wolf attack on Jogger: Red alarm level in Windhaag!

Wolf attack on Jogger: Red alarm level in Windhaag!

Windhaag, Österreich - A worrying incident occurred on January 3, 2025 in Windhaag (Freistadt district): According to a report by the Upper Austrian news, a jogger was jumped into an animal that he identified as a wolf. The man was on dusk with a headlamp around 5 p.m. when he was suddenly surprised by an animal. The office of agricultural councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger (ÖVP) confirmed this incident. Despite the concerns that the behavior of the animal did not correspond to that of a wolf, the matter was taken seriously. "We ask the population, especially the hunters, to be vigilant and to report further important information to the country immediately," said Langer-Weninger.

alarmed authorities and previous incidents

This incident is reminiscent of a similar incident in April of the previous year when a 13-year-old apparently met two wolves while jogging in a nearby forest. The repeated encounter is alarming and could point out that there is a potentially dangerous animal population in the region. "Due to the described appearance and behavior, a wolf cannot be excluded," emphasized the state councilor, who stimulates an "scanning" of the animal. Wolf management in Upper Austria observes the situation carefully and expects the population to be called for vigilance, even if the emotions in connection with such incidents should remain reserved. "Fear and unrest in the population is currently not helping anyone," Langer-Weninger continues.

Currently there are considerable concerns, especially since on January 2, 2025 a wolf was released for shooting after it was repeatedly spotted near inhabited buildings. The wolf was classified as dangerous, which illustrates the urgency of the situation. These incidents, in particular the confirmed wolf seal and the tearing of a deer through a wolf, lead a light on the increasing interactions between humans and wild animals in this region. The attention and vigilance of the hunters and the entire population remains crucial, especially considering the potential risks.