A total of 18 sheep from a single flock fell victim to a wolf attack in Tenneville, in the province of Luxembourg.
Twelve were found dead, six others had to be euthanised and two others remain injured, L’Avenir reports.
“It is most likely the work of a wolf, given the modus operandi used not only to attack but also to consume the flesh,” said Alain Licoppe, head of the Walloon Wolf Network.
“All the sheep were bitten on the neck, once and deeply. Wolves usually do this. Dog attacks are much more anarchic.”
Herd may have been attacked twice
It also seems likely that the herd was attacked twice, on Monday night and at a previous time.
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“Some carcasses were in a more advanced state of decomposition,” Licoppe said, meaning it is possible that there was a first attack 24 or 48 hours before the second.
DNA samples were taken and sent to a lab in order to confirm that the attack was from a wolf. That will take 7 to ten days, and scientists hope to also be able to determine where the wolf came from and if it is one of the known ones in the region or a new one.
Wolf-proof measures did not stop attack
The livestock farmer had anti-wolf measures in place, namely foxlights – a device that uses flashing lives to stave off wolves.
An expert will also estimate the losses suffered, so that the farmer can receive from the Region.
