Is a bear roaming along the Bavarian-Austrian border? This question recently occupied the Bavarian Environment Agency (LfU). The Traunstein District Office had forwarded samples collected after an alleged sighting in the Winklmoos-Alm area near Reit im Winkl, right on the border with Austria, to the agency’s headquarters in Augsburg. On-site, experts discovered what appeared to be a rubbing post and footprints. However, the suspicion was not confirmed, a spokesperson for the LfU told BR24 upon request today.
Unclear Which Animal the Hairs Came From
The alleged sighting had been reported to the LfU on August 16, but could not be backed up by photos or video evidence. Even during an on-site inspection, experts found no clear signs of a bear’s presence.
However, animal hairs were discovered on a tree near the reported sighting location. These were sent to the Senckenberg Institute for Wildlife Genetics for analysis. According to the LfU, the genetic material did not allow a clear determination of which animal the hairs came from. “In summary, no evidence was found that would confirm the presence of a bear,” the agency explained.
At the Traunstein District Office, officials expressed relief that the matter has now been clarified. Nevertheless, they emphasized that it remains necessary to keep a close watch on the issue of “large predators” – which includes bears.
No Confirmed Bear Evidence Since 2023
In recent years, Bavaria has repeatedly seen reports of possible bear sightings. According to the LfU, since the last officially confirmed brown bear in the Hinterstein Valley in the Allgäu in 2023, around 70 reports of potential bear presence were received between then and May 2025. However, none of these cases could be confirmed.
With material from dpa
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