Too little forest

Wolves have so far stayed away from Burgenland

The return of the wolf is not welcomed by everyone.

(Bild: ©Ralph Lear - stock.adobe.com, Symbolbild)

In contrast to other federal states, no wolves have yet settled in Burgenland. The habitat is not ideal for them, and an animal spotted in Draßmarkt (Oberpullendorf district) in mid-July has probably moved on as expected, according to Roman Bunyai, head of the hunting department in Burgenland. No further sightings have been reported since then. 

The animals lack the large closed forest areas in Burgenland that they find elsewhere. In addition, grazing livestock farming is much less pronounced than in Tyrol, Carinthia or Salzburg, for example, where wolves repeatedly attack livestock, according to Bunyai. In addition, pastures in the lowlands are easier to protect than mountain pastures.

Animals only passing through
According to the province, the confirmed wolf sighting in mid-July is the first since March 2017. In February 2023, an animal may also have been passing through, but this was not sighted, but documented based on the evaluation of a tracking device.

It is usually young males that move through Burgenland in search of a new territory. However, Bunyai believes that wolves could also settle in this country in the future: "If the ideal habitats are fully occupied, they will also move to others."

Rare encounters with humans
Encounters with wolves are rare because they normally flee from humans. Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep dogs on a lead, to remain calm in the event of an encounter and to retreat slowly and without frantic movements. Speaking loudly or clapping can help to drive the animal away.