In the 19th century, this animal was referred to as the “last Erlangen wolf,” since wolves had been considered extinct in this area since 1750. District forester Konrad Nützel shot it on November 21, 1809, in the Klosterwald forest near Frauenaurach. Fresh snowfall had led the hunter to the animal’s trail. In the months leading up to this, there had been repeated attacks on sheep herds near Möhrendorf and Dechsendorf. The wolf was stuffed at the university’s Zoological Institute. In the process, it was given its aggressive appearance—with bared fangs and a hanging (wooden) tongue—reminiscent of the “big bad wolf” from Grimm’s fairy tales.
From 1921 until the early 1980s, the specimen was on display at the Erlangen Local History and City Museum. Because the wolf was petted by countless visitors, it suffered considerable “hair loss.” The animal spent the last few decades in the museum’s storage facility. Now the wolf is on display at the City Museum.
Today, more than 200 years after the appearance of the supposedly “last Erlangen wolf,” there are wolves in Franconia once again. In March 2019, an animal was struck by a car on the highway near Möhrendorf.
Photo: Erich Malter – the wolf at the City Museum
See also
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.
City archive
The Erlangen City Archive is the official memory of Erlangen. The main tasks of the city archive include the permanent storage and cataloging of collections.
Short Stories from the City
Erlangen has a long and interesting history. There's a lot to tell. A look back.
City archive
The Erlangen City Archive is the official memory of Erlangen. The main tasks of the city archive include the permanent storage and cataloging of collections.