A controversial plan to shoot a wolf in southwestern Germany has been halted after authorities declined to extend the permit that allowed hunters to kill the beautiful animal.

The wolf, identified as GW2672m, had been living in the northern Black Forest in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Officials initially authorized trained hunters to shoot the wolf after it was repeatedly seen approaching people walking dogs. Officials said the wolf had grown unusually comfortable around humans.

The decision sparked widespread public outrage across Germany, with conservationists and wildlife advocates criticizing the proposed killing and urging officials to pursue non-lethal solutions instead.

Professional hunters were hired to search the forest under the government permit for several weeks but were, thankfully, unable to locate the wolf.

The permit allowing the wolf to be killed was limited and expired in early March 2026. Officials later confirmed that the Baden-Württemberg Environment Ministry would not extend the authorization, effectively ending the hunt.

Authorities said sightings of the wolf had declined in recent weeks and that the end of the breeding season may have influenced the animal’s behavior, reducing encounters that initially raised concern.

Wolves naturally returned to Germany in the early 2000s after being driven to extinction in the country more than a century ago. Their return has been a remarkable success for wolves, but it has also sparked debate over how to manage the species as it recolonizes parts of Germany’s forests.

Conservationists say cases like this highlight the importance of protecting wolves and ensuring they can safely coexist with people. Experts emphasize that legal protections are key to supporting both wildlife and local communities.