Traces in the Lusatian sand

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Hello, Mrs. Bengtsson,
I wanted to thank you again for the great short break in Lausatia. The days were really relaxing and recharged the „Akku’s“ well.
At the same time, I once again got the chance to spend more time in nature, which unfortunately does not happen in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With Cati and Stephan we had two excellent companions who introduced you to the topic of wolves in Germany and Lausitz in a very interesting way. The tips and your personal recommendations for the equipment were very helpful. Unfortunately, we have not seen the wolf, but many other animals of the forest. Great snapshots of a fox we could do in a morning wildlife observation, what I am looking forward to animal. My personal highlight was the wildlife observation on the last day. A dreamlike sunrise with simultaneous awakening of the forest. From the vantage point, the entire renatured opencast mining area was overlooked, and with occasional clouds of fog that appeared again and again, this was a special moment (very beautiful photos were taken here as well). If I look at the pictures, I would most like to get back into my car and drive to Lusatia. Finally, I can only recommend to anyone who wants to get away from everyday life and at the same time want to experience something in nature, to experience such a tour. It’s definitely worth it and I’ll definitely do it again. But then more than four days, because unfortunately they were over too fast. For the good organization and the smooth process as well as the personal advice again a heartfelt thank you. Bye for now! René Schmidt

Hello, Mrs. Bengtsson,

Already on the arrival on Friday we felt at the pension „the Hammer“ well received. Already on the first day we took a little walk. The area around the pension is beautiful and wild. We come from the Allgäu, even here are wild and quiet areas as in Lausatia unthinkable because of the density of population.

On Saturday we met Kati, Stephan, Leika and Bobby. The information we got from both in the form of a small lecture was very interesting and the two of them were able to explain it in a relaxed, funny way. Afterwards, the two showed us some places where wolves were already seen. A big thank you to Kati for taking the time to spend a few hours with us despite her parental leave.

In the evening we drove to a viewing site, where Stephan had seen wolves more often. There we did not see any wolves that evening, but a white-tailed eagle, cranes and deer. Just the knowledge, they are there somewhere, was exciting and something very special.

The next morning we got up at 4 o’clock to go back to the viewing point.

We experienced real natural dramas on this day. A small boarling drowned in a lake because he could not follow the rotting. Cranes flew wild and were in a mating mood, rabbits hopped over the former opencast mining area and a pair of white-tailed eagle warmed themselves in the first rays of sunlight of the day. But that was not enough, suddenly someone said „Wolf“ and then it started. Everyone struggled with the binoculars with Stephan’s „professional equipment“ for the sighted wolf. It took half an hour before he reappeared and with him two other wolves of the Lakeland pack. They played, ran back and forth, relieved themselves, pursued the eagle. We could certainly watch the wolves for at least 25 minutes. I was very moved to see this graceful animal in freedom and could have watched it forever. Here again we would like to thank Stephan in particular, who went to so much trouble and took the time to make this possible for us.

In the afternoon we drove to a former military training area and found there a wolf faeces like in a picture book … in the middle of a crossroads. Stephan explained to us what you can find out and what the researchers are doing when they discover an avoidable wolf’s loot. We learned a lot about the work of researchers and biologists. Like in the picture book the traces of the wolf were in the sand. Stephan explained how to tell if there are wolf marks or not. But he also said that nobody can tell 100% exactly whether it is a wolf or a big dog.

I gave my mother this birthday’s birthday and thanks to Stephan this weekend was exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you for making it possible for my mother to see this dream of seeing a wild wolf. You are great!!!!!!!
Alexandra and Monika (April 2017)

Dear Mrs. Bengtsson,
We, my husband and I were the only participants, because 3 people had to cancel at short notice. We enjoyed the tour very much. Stephan and Clemens have given us a lot of interesting information about the wolves, other animals and the environment. We can only recommend both. We did not see any wolves, but found traces and wolf faeces. Much about their behavior, the herd protection, which is also at the same wolf protection experienced. Many animals were observed, deer during the rut, sea eagles, cranes, wild boars, etc. We also visited the herd protection dogs. It was great. We were also pleased that Stephan had his dog Bobby with him. We would repeat the tour at any time.
Best regards
Jeanette and Daniel Leu Müller (September 2016)

Hello Sabine,
It was wonderful and luck found us for a few very exciting seconds.
Seeing a wolf and not just hearing from Him is a strong feeling. Even the decision to go alone with Cathi alone through the forest was right, so we could be much closer to it.
Greetings and happy holidays
Reiner (December 2015)

Dear Mrs. Bengtsson,
It was a very interesting tour, even though unfortunately we did not see a wolf. ;-) We have learned a lot about wolves and their tracks and had a lot of fun, not least because of Ayla, the young dog of Cati, of which Patricia was simply thrilled! Great was also the small group size of only four people, we felt very comfortable. The beautiful mild, sunny weather has certainly contributed to the success of the tour.
From Stefan, who was on Saturday, we have also learned many interesting things about wolves and other animals living in Lusatia. In addition to being able to experience the work of a film team live, I found it exciting that it was a very special experience. The „extra sweet“ was so well worth it!
Best regards
Barbara Schmitz-Malik

Dear Mrs. Bengtsson,

Thank you very much for sending the beautiful pictures!
I am very, very happy to have participated in the wolf tour – it was a great experience! For me, who loves the wolf, it was a nice experience to move in the nature and world of the wolf, to walk in his footsteps and to be close to him in a certain way. He did not show himself to us this weekend, but that was to be expected and it has something reassuring to know that he has the opportunity to stay hidden. After all, it is his habitat and I was pleased to be in this guest.
Much of the success of this wolf tour was contributed by Cati and Stephan, our two wolf specialists. They have explained and told us a lot of interesting, interesting and exciting things and I was able to personally take a lot of this weekend with them. They do a great and admirable job, I wish them that they can carry on and their commitment still bears many fruits. Also in the group itself, I felt very comfortable, it was very consistent.
I would definitely like to come back to Lusatia, a beautiful area with a fantastic nature and wildlife. I would like to thank you for the great time and would recommend such a tour at any time.
Best regards, Friederike Simon

The wolf tour was a very intense experience for me. We were a small group of people interested in lay wolf, but the three wolf experts took us seriously and gave us a lot of knowledge, with great passion and a heartfelt commitment. The excursions in glorious weather have made a lot of fun.
My expectations in this tour have definitely been exceeded.
von Antje Babendererde

A thank you to you and your colleagues for these insightful, sometimes even entertaining days. There have not been many days in my life that I’ve learned so much, and in a way that’s as sustainable as this one.
Irene Teichmann

Dear Mrs. Bengtsson,
Even if everyday life has overtaken us again, we often think back to the beautiful days in Lusatia. We have learned a lot of new things this weekend about these fascinating but very shy animals. Unfortunately, our tiny hope of seeing her „in nature“ did not come true. Nevertheless, this weekend was a very nice and unforgettable experience for us. Getting up early at 5 o’clock (!) On the weekend to watch the Lusatian seascape awaken one evening later – armed with binoculars – has already impressed us. Cranes welcomed us. Cati and Stephan went out of their way to provide us with lots of information especially about wolves, but also about all the wildlife in the area. After a short time we also knew deer, stag and wild boar tracks. The talk about wolves in Lusatia in the evening was also very exciting. On the excursions through the pine forests and heathland, to the „White Mountain“ and along the flooded opencast mining landscapes, we discovered a lot of tracks in the sand, also wolf tracks, but already older and washed out by the rain. On Sunday, on the way back, we have a fresh wolf track and the realization that a wolf has just passed us. They just like to stay „invisible“. Thanks to Cati and Stephan for this great weekend!
Greetings from the Bördekreis  Steffen and Carina Döring