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Wolf sighting on Lake Dobbiaco: vacationers film rare encounter!
Holidaymakers film wolves on Lake Toblacher See in South Tyrol. Sighting sparks discussion about protective measures and animal conflicts.
Wolf sighting on Lake Dobbiaco: vacationers film rare encounter!
On May 9, 2025, a remarkable sighting occurred at Lake Dobbiaco in South Tyrol. The Polish-Ukrainian tourist couple Oskar Niemiec and Zoriana discovered the wolf during a car trip, leisurely trotting along the road between Toblach and Schluderbach. The couple took the opportunity to capture the encounter on their cell phone before the wolf disappeared into the nearby embankment. This spontaneous encounter took place in broad daylight and remains unforgettable for the pair as they witnessed a rare sight in the region, where wolf sightings have increased in recent years.
The region around Lake Toblach, 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 as it creates problems for farmers. On May 4, 2025, four sheep were killed by a wolf in Olang, which increases concerns about animal husbandry.
Challenges posed by the wolf population
The widespread acceptance of the return of wolves to the Alpine region is in jeopardy. Due to the steep and rocky terrain, herd protection measures can only be implemented to a limited extent, which puts farmers under pressure. In addition, the European Parliament recently approved a regulation downgrading the protection status of the wolf in the EU from “strictly protected” to “protected”. This change gives Member States greater freedom of action in regulating wolf populations to ensure both human and agricultural protection. There are now over 20,000 wolves living in Europe, and their populations and distribution areas are constantly growing.
It is not just the cattle raids that are worrying, but also incidental encounters. In Trentino, for example, there were worrying incidents, including the kidnapping of a dog and the chasing of a mother with a stroller. These incidents raise concerns among both local residents and tourists and contribute to the debate about how to manage the wolf population.
A popular leisure area
Lake Toblach, which lies in the middle of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags and Drei Zinnen nature parks, is a popular destination for visitors. Surrounded by a nature trail, the lake offers boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Historically marked, there are also five bunkers built near the lake in 1939 by Benito Mussolini. The combination of nature, leisure activities and impressive encounters with wildlife make Lake Toblach a unique travel destination.