Golden jackal on Sylt: Hunters launch controversial shooting permit!

Golden jackal on Sylt: Hunters launch controversial shooting permit!

On the popular holiday island of Sylt, a controversial hunt for the golden jackal is making headlines. From June 5, 2025, hunters with an exemption under species protection law will be allowed to shoot the golden jackal, a plan that has not yet been documented in Germany. This permit, issued by the State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein, is valid until July 31st and comes in response to the golden jackal's massive attacks on farm animals. Since May 19, the animal has killed 90 sheep and lambs, underlining the urgency of this measure Stern.de reported.

The decision to allow hunting has sparked keen interest among hunters from all over Germany. Although exact numbers on the number of interested parties are not known, several hunters have registered and would like to take part. However, Manfred Uekermann, the deputy district hunter for North Frisia, expresses concerns and makes it clear that hunting tourism is not desired on the island. So far, around 20 to 30 volunteer hunters from the island have been actively involved in the search for the golden jackal, especially at night.

Hunting background

Golden jackals are particularly protected in the European Union and are not regularly hunted species. These animals, originally from South Asia and the southeastern Balkans, are newcomers to Germany and other European countries and are spreading north and west due to warmer climates. They are slightly larger than foxes but have a shorter tail and are known to eat smaller mammals. Confusion with foxes is therefore possible, which makes hunting even more complicated.

Although the permit to hunt the golden jackal could be the first of its kind in Germany, Uekermann warns that trouble-free conditions are needed for a successful hunt. Hunting should only take place with written permission from the responsible hunting manager to ensure that the quiet areas for night hunting can be maintained.

Reactions and outlook

The approval to shoot the golden jackal on Sylt has provoked mixed reactions from the public. While some consider the measure to be necessary to protect sheep populations, there are also critical voices who raise the question of whether the settlement of the golden jackal in Germany is not a signal from nature that is worth protecting. The outcome of this initiative is eagerly awaited. The first shooting could set the course for dealing with this species in Germany. Sustainable solutions are needed to resolve the conflict between nature and animal protection as well as agricultural concerns T Online notes.