Sixth wolf pack active in Rhineland-Palatinate

Wolf activity in Rhineland-Palatinate has expanded with the confirmed presence of a sixth wolf pack, the Rüdesheim pack originating from neighboring Hesse. Evidence of this pack has been documented in the Rhein-Lahn district, according to Julian Sandrini, head of the state's Coordination Center for Lynx and Wolf (Kluwo).

Sandrini stated that image data collected over several months this year from the Bad Ems-Nassau and Loreley administrative districts provided the basis for this confirmation. Genetic analysis identified a wolf (GW4466m) as a descendant of the Rüdesheim pack. Due to its "regular activities" in the area, the pack is now officially recognized as a cross-border pack operating either entirely or partially within Rhineland-Palatinate.

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Due to the 'regular activities' in the area, the pack can now be classified as a cross-border sixth pack that is active entirely or partially in Rhineland-Palatinate.

This brings the total number of established wolf packs partially or wholly residing in the state to six, with others located in the Westerwald region (Leuscheid, Hachenburg, Puderbach) and the Hochwald/Greifenstein areas. Sandrini noted that the wolf population is spreading slowly and selectively, primarily concentrated in the Westerwald, rather than rapidly colonizing the entire state.

By early July, Rhineland-Palatinate had recorded 122 confirmed wolf sightings, a figure comparable to the 149 sightings during the same period last year. The state has also seen an increase in livestock depredation incidents. In 2025, there were 45 reported wolf attacks resulting in 206 affected animals, primarily sheep and goats. This year, up to early July, 29 attacks affected 125 animals. Consequently, compensation payments for damages rose significantly from nearly 20,000 euros last year to approximately 43,000 euros.

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The wolf is currently not colonizing Rhineland-Palatinate abruptly.