A Polish hunter was acquitted after shooting a wolf named Lego, mistakenly believing it was a fox during a hunt in the Tuchola Forest on August 25, 2024.
Wolf Shot, Hunter Charged
On August 25, 2024, Krzysztof S., a hunter from the “Cyranka” Hunting Association, shot and killed a wolf in Zimne Zdroje, within the Lubichowo Forest District of the Tuchola Forest. He claimed he mistook the animal for a fox.
The wolf, known as Lego, was being monitored by researchers from the University of Gdańsk using a GPS telemetry collar to track its activity and behavior.
Prosecution’s Case and Criminal Code
The prosecutor charged the man with the illegal killing of a strictly protected wolf, citing Article 181, paragraph 3 of the Polish Criminal Code.
Court Finds No ‘Significant Damage’
Judge Michał Bącal stated that the prosecution failed to demonstrate “significant damage” to the environment, a key element of the offense. The judge emphasized that the law requires proof of such damage, not merely the killing of a protected animal.
The court determined that the death of this specific wolf in this specific area did not cause significant harm to the natural environment.
Wolf Population and Ecosystem Impact
Based on expert opinions, the judge noted that the wolf population in Poland and the Tuchola Forest is sufficiently large that removing a single individual does not significantly harm the species.
Scientific data also did not indicate that Lego’s death had a substantial impact on the local ecosystem, and the wolf’s death did not lead to the breakup of its pack.
Hunter’s Account and Lack of Intent
The judge highlighted that there was no evidence to prove Krzysztof S. intended to kill a wolf. The acquittal does not constitute a moral or ethical assessment.
The judge stated that the evidence did not allow a determination of the hunter’s thoughts at the moment of the shot, and his claim of mistaking the wolf for a fox could not be disproven.
Doubt Favors the Accused & Hunting Regulations Violated
The court emphasized that any doubts were resolved in favor of the accused. However, the judge noted that Krzysztof S. violated hunting regulations by failing to exercise due diligence.
The judge explained that in his haste to shoot before the animal disappeared, the hunter did not properly aim or verify his target, but believed he was shooting a fox. This behavior could lead to disciplinary action, but not criminal charges.