Wolf viewing on Lake toblacher: vacationers film rare encounter!

Wolf viewing on Lake toblacher: vacationers film rare encounter!

Toblacher See, Südtirol, Italien - On May 9, 2025, a remarkable sighting occurred on Lake toblacher in South Tyrol. The Polish-Ukrainian tourist couple Oskar Niemiec and Zoriana discovered the wolf during a car ride, which trotted leisurely on the street between Toblach and Schluderbach. The couple took the opportunity to capture the encounter with their cell phone before the wolf disappeared into the nearby embankment. This spontaneous encounter took place in broad daylight and remains unforgettable for the two because they witnessed a rare sight in the region, where the sightings of wolves have increased in recent years.

The region around the Toblacher See, which has an area of ​​14.3 hectares and a circumference of around 4.5 kilometers, is not only scenic, but also has a growing population of wolves. In 2023, at least 78 wolves were detected in South Tyrol, 39 of which were genetically identified. However, this increase also has a downside because it leads to problems for farmers. On May 4, 2025, four sheep were killed by a wolf in Olang, which increases the concern for their own animal husbandry.

challenges from the wolf population

The broad acceptance of the return of the wolves to the Alpine region is on the brink. Due to the steep and rocky terrain, herd protection measures can only be implemented to a limited extent, which puts the farmers under pressure. In addition, the European Parliament recently approved a regulation that downgrades the protection status of the wolf in the EU from "strictly protected" to "protected". This change gives the Member States more freedom of action in the regulation of wolf populations to ensure both the protection of people and agriculture. In Europe, over 20,000 wolves now live, the populations of which are growing steadily.

worrying are not only the cattle, but also incomprehensible encounters. In Trentino, for example, there were questionable incidents, including the kidnapping of a dog and chasing a mother with a stroller. These incidents cause concern for both residents and tourists and contribute to the debate about dealing with the wolf population.

a popular leisure area

The Toblacher See, which is located in the middle of the Naturparks Fanes-Sennes-Prague and three battlements, is a popular destination for visitors. The lake surrounded by a nature trail offers boating and ice skating in winter. Historically marked, there are also five bunkers near the lake, which were built by Benito Mussolini in 1939. The combination of nature, leisure activities and the impressive encounters with the wildlife makes the Toblacher See a unique travel destination.