Autopsy of problem wolf may explain its unusual behaviour

The problem wolf shot near Nørre Nebel will be examined in Copenhagen, DR reports. The autopsy could help determine whether a physical condition contributed to its unusual behaviour.

The examination will first establish whether the carcass is that of the correct wolf. It will also look for injuries, diseases and other physical changes that could explain the animal’s atypical behaviour.

Anne Sofie Vedsted Hammer, a veterinarian, PhD and lecturer at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, will conduct the autopsy with her team.

The wolf was shot within a regulation zone created for the purpose. The Danish Nature Agency has previously said there is a high degree of certainty that it was the problem wolf.

The examination will also investigate where the wolf migrated from and whether it was entirely wolf. Wolves can have offspring with dogs, and hybrids can display unwanted behaviour, Hammer said. She does not expect this to be the case.

The wolf in western Jutland was classified as a problem wolf after repeatedly approaching people and proving difficult to scare away. It is the second problem wolf to be shot in Denmark.

The carcass will be X-rayed, its fur will be checked for parasites, and samples will be taken from its organs. The contents of its stomach and intestines will also be examined.