It was a bleak day in early February 2026, and the cold was biting. A woman was jogging alone near Möttlingen, in the Donau-Ries district of Swabia, Germany. There was nobody in sight. But suddenly, she was no longer alone on the deserted path.
Out of the corner of her eye, the jogger caught a movement. About 30 to 40 metres away, a large animal crossed her path. Thinking it was a stray dog, she pulled out her smartphone. She just wanted to snap a quick picture, but was suddenly overcome with panic!
This was no dog
As she focused on the animal through her screen, the jogger's blood ran cold. This was no dog waiting for its owner!
The moment the stark reality hit her, she was consumed by panic. She let out a piercing scream. The animal reacted instantly, turned on its heel, and vanished like a ghost into the dense forest.
A confirmed wolf sighting
She was left trembling, with just a photo on her phone and the shock of her life. Shortly afterwards, the State Office for the Environment (LfU) examined the picture and confirmed the undeniable truth: the jogger had indeed come face to face with a real wolf.
Following the incident, other photos of the animal in the region were also sent to the relevant district office.
The fact that wolves roam Bavaria is not new. Since mid-February, evidence of their presence has been mounting, particularly in the Ostallgäu, Freyung-Grafenau, and Erlangen-Höchstadt districts. However, for a jogger to come almost face to face with one is exceptionally rare.
The LfU has a clear explanation for the animal's appearance. They believe it is most likely a young male that has left its pack. In search of new territory, these wolves can cover vast distances, travelling 30 to 45 miles a day.
However, there is no immediate danger from permanently established packs in the area.
