It is the longest documented migration of a wolf in Europe: the wolf with the code number M237 migrated nearly 2000 kilometers from Switzerland via Austria to Hungary. He would have been illegally shot there.
M237 was born in 2021 in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. About a year ago, the local hunting and fishing organization managed to fit the wolf with a GPS collar. Since then, the movements of the animal could be followed at every turn.
Young wolf traveled through four countries
In June 2022, the young wolf left its pack of origin and migrated, according to the Kora Predation Foundation. The animal traveled through four countries on its journey. Started in Switzerland, it crossed the border into Italy in Lower Engadine at the end of June 2022.
The young wolf roamed South Tyrol for about ten days and then crossed the border into Austria. In October it was in the Innsbruck area, from where it then always ran east through Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria.
New Year spent near Vienna
In Upper Styria, he turned north towards Vienna. West of the federal capital in Lower Austria, M237 spent the turn of the year. In early 2023, the wolf then migrated to the Danube, turned back and headed southeast. In mid-February, his position was transferred from Hungary, where he continued to Budapest.
It took him about a month to pass west of the capital and cross the Danube. in More M237 was on its way to the Carpathians and the Slovak border – not far from the territory of another wolf population.
Investigation of illegal shooting
There, in northeastern Hungary, the wolf’s migration apparently came to an abrupt end: it was illegally shot in the area of Hidasnemeti municipality, Hungarian website boon.hu reports. Accordingly, criminal proceedings were initiated against the perpetrator for the crime of destroying nature. However, the police are not providing any further information about the ongoing investigation.
In Hungary, the unlawful shooting of a gray wolf is punishable by up to three years in prison. The Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture stressed to boon.hu that wolves are highly protected and are of particular importance to the ecosystem.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
