Cuxhaven, Germany – A wolf pack has driven a herd of approximately 100 sheep over several kilometers in the Landkreis Cuxhaven region of Lower Saxony, killing multiple animals in the process. As of this morning, 20 sheep were found dead and seven injured, according to a spokesperson for the Lower Saxony Agricultural Chamber.
The exact number of wolves involved in the attack in the municipality of Stinstedt remains unknown. However, a damage assessment has confirmed the animals were killed by wolves, according to reports from the “Niederelbe-Zeitung” and NDR.
The sheep were reportedly chased across a large area, with carcasses and injured animals scattered over a wide expanse of land. The herd had been secured with what the Agricultural Chamber described as a basic wolf-deterrent protection measure, allowing the livestock owner to potentially apply for voluntary compensation from the state.
This incident highlights the growing challenges faced by livestock farmers in areas where wolf populations are increasing. Across Europe, and specifically in Germany, sheep and goats are disproportionately targeted by wolves compared to larger livestock, due to their reduced flight response through domestication. This often results in multiple animals being killed during a single attack, with an average of 3.9 animals killed per wolf attack in Germany in 2024, according to nationwide damage statistics.
While damage levels tend to decrease within one or two years when farmers implement adequate protective measures, the effectiveness of these measures is constantly being tested. Wolves have been known to learn how to overcome even minimum protection standards, such as electrified fences of 90 cm in height, which are often implemented as a prerequisite for compensation payments. Experts recommend more robust protection, such as electrified fences reaching 120 cm with multiple strands, to ensure the safety of livestock.
The situation in the Netherlands is also seeing an increase in wolf presence. A wolf was recently spotted on the Veluwe, marking the third wolf sighting in the country this year. In December 2025, authorities in the Dutch province of Utrecht lifted a warning to avoid local parks after a wolf was confirmed to be present. Nationally, wolves are estimated to kill between 1,000 and 2,000 sheep – and occasionally horses – each year.
Research suggests that conflicts with wolves can often originate from their parent packs, with wolves targeting sheep in areas where their families have previously encountered them. This underscores the importance of understanding wolf behavior and implementing preventative measures tailored to local pack dynamics.
The incident in Cuxhaven serves as a stark reminder of the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, and the ongoing need for effective coexistence strategies as wolf populations continue to expand across Europe.
