Farmer is compelled by wolf to leave herd of buffalo behind

In the Upper Franconian village of Sichersreuth, farmer Martin Hoepfel has been keeping bison for two decades. However, a recent development has put his herd and the safety of the adjacent B 303 federal road at risk.

A wolf pack has made its home in the Fichtel Mountains, and Hoepfel's bison are feeling the impact. The nervous bison are on edge due to the scent of the predators, and if the herd were to break through the fence, a dangerous scenario could unfold on the busy road.

Hoepfel has invested around 100,000 euros in protecting his animals, including renovating the fence with anti-digging protection. He had also planned to attach a flat iron on top of the fence for additional protection, but it was not approved due to concerns that the wolf could potentially injure itself when jumping over the fence.

The veterinary office has advised Hoepfel to give up bison keeping due to the wolf threat. The organization advocating for this recommendation is the Animal Protection Society. However, Hoepfel's bison herd has already decreased from 22 to 13 animals.

Interestingly, lynxes, unlike wolves, have proven harmless to Hoepfel's bison. Three young lynxes have been identified in the area, as shown by an evaluation of wildlife cameras, but they do not pose a threat to the bison herd.

Red deer, which Hoepfel also keeps, bring in only a tenth of the amount compared to bison. Hoepfel can declare red deer as wild if it escapes from the fence, making it not liable. He earns approximately 4,000 euros from a larger bison calf through direct marketing.

Despite the challenges, Hoepfel is following the veterinary office's recommendation and is not looking for a provider for the installation of a coyote roller in the region, as no suitable one could be found.

This wolf pack in the Fichtel Mountains has four cubs, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. As the situation continues to evolve, Hoepfel and his bison herd will need to adapt to ensure their safety and the safety of those on the B 303 federal road.