Wolf hit by car near Peitz - Police and experts on the scene - Wolf killed in Brandenburg car crash triggers mandatory reporting process

A wolf was struck and killed by a car on Federal Highway B168 near Peitz in Brandenburg’s Spreewald region. The driver escaped the collision without injury but must now follow strict reporting procedures.

Road accidents remain the most common cause of death for wolves in Germany. When such an incident occurs, the driver is legally required to notify the police immediately. Authorities then alert the regional wolf management officer and Brandenburg’s State Office for the Environment (LfU), which oversees the case.

Specialised personnel from the environmental agency recover the wolf’s carcass. The remains are transported to the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin for further examination. If a wolf survives the collision but suffers severe injuries, a veterinarian, police officer, or licensed hunter may euthanize it to prevent prolonged suffering.

The public is also encouraged to report incidents via Brandenburg’s wolf hotline. This ensures proper documentation and helps monitor the region’s wolf population.

The collision near Peitz highlights the ongoing risks wolves face from road traffic. Drivers involved in such accidents must follow legal steps to report the incident. Authorities will continue to investigate and process these cases through the State Office for the Environment.