A Wolf Spotted Roaming Through Thun's Seefeld Quarter
Residents of Thun were taken aback this weekend when a wolf was sighted wandering through the Seefeld residential area, sparking both curiosity and concern among locals.
On the night of May 9, 2025, several individuals encountered the wild animal, with one eyewitness, a 22-year-old reader named Noël, capturing the moment on video. According to reports, the wolf was first seen on the main street before making its way into Mönchstrasse, heading towards the Berufsbildungszentrum IDM. Noël described the experience as surreal, stating, "It was really an extraordinary feeling. A wolf stands just two or three meters in front of you and looks you directly in the eyes."
As the encounter unfolded, Noël and his companion, unsure whether they were indeed observing a wolf, followed the animal from a safe distance. After confirming their suspicions, they promptly alerted the police. The police responded quickly and arrived shortly after the call, but by that time, the wolf had disappeared into a nearby garden.
The Bern cantonal police confirmed that they received two reports regarding the wolf sighting that night, one at 23:00 and another around midnight. A police patrol was dispatched to investigate the situation. "During the second report, officers were able to identify an animal on Mönchstrasse, which, after consulting with the gamekeeper, could have been a wolf," a police spokesperson stated.
Following the incident, the Jagdinspektorat, responsible for wildlife management, reviewed the footage provided by Noël. They indicated that it was indeed possible that the animal was a wolf. A representative of the Jagdinspektorat remarked, "From our perspective, it is quite possible that this was a wolf." The sighting has also been reported to the KORA Foundation, which specializes in predator ecology and wildlife management.
This recent wolf sighting in Thun is not an isolated incident. Wolves have been roaming the Canton of Bern for approximately 20 years, primarily as transient animals. However, there are notable exceptions, such as wolf M76, which has been residing in the upper Emmental since 2017, and wolf M124, which is settled in the Schwarzhorn region.
Residents of Thun have expressed a mix of fear and fascination regarding the wolf's presence in their neighborhood. While some are concerned about the potential dangers posed by such wildlife, experts have reassured the public that there is little cause for alarm. "Wolves are typically shy and tend to avoid human contact," said a wildlife expert. "Encounters like this are rare, and as long as people do not approach or provoke the animal, there is no need for concern."
The sighting has sparked discussions among locals about the increasing presence of wildlife in urban areas. Many residents are intrigued by the idea of sharing their environment with such majestic creatures, while others worry about the implications for safety and local pets.
In light of this incident, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any further sightings. "If you see a wolf or any wild animal, it's important to keep your distance and notify the authorities," a police spokesperson advised. "We want to ensure the safety of both the community and the wildlife."
As the investigation continues, the community remains on alert, curious about the wolf's origins and whether it will be spotted again. The presence of wolves in the region serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife habitats.
With increasing sightings in recent years, the question arises: How do communities adapt to the presence of wildlife in urban settings? As Thun navigates this new reality, the wolf's visit may prompt further discussions on coexistence with nature.
In summary, while the sighting of a wolf in the Seefeld quarter of Thun has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked conversations, experts maintain that there is no immediate threat to residents. The incident highlights the ongoing presence of wolves in the region and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats.
