The field where the sheep had been grazing, near Garnich, is only a few kilometres away from Leudelange, where an animal that was presumed to be a wolf was photographed a few weeks ago.

The farmer contacted the Nature and Forestry Agency, who sent several experts to analyse the sheep and the surroundings. They took DNA samples of the bite wounds. The samples will be sent to an institute in Germany. The analysis can take several weeks.

The agency stated that, although the possibility of it being a wolf cannot be excluded, it should not be forgotten that dogs also regularly attack sheep.

If it was a wolf, the farmer is likely to get financial compensation.

Wolves have come back to Europe over the last 25 years. Because they have been present in the neighbouring French areas for the past years, it was only a question of time for them to come to Luxembourg, the agency said.

Wolves are very shy

Wolves usually avoid contact with humans. Therefore, it is rare to see one. However, they can also be rather curious and muster a person carefully before they retreat.

The brochure “Wolves in Luxembourg?” from the environment ministry gives more information on how to behave if one actually encounters a wolf.