Wolf population in Denmark reaches to above 40 wolves. Highest level in recent times.
New survey shows steady progress for Denmark’s wolves, which now number six packs, two pairs and one lone territorial dog, corresponding to around 42 animals – according to the National Center for Environment and Energy at Aarhus University. The wolf now appears to be firmly established in Denmark.
Wolves have become a permanent part of Danish nature with breeding pairs in both Central, Western and Northern Jutland. The development so far shows a population on the rise, supported by immigration from Germany.
Since the first registered puppy birth in 2017 (the first time in 200 years), 13 litters have been documented with a total of at least 84 puppies.
Many farmers, especially sheep farmers, are strongly against wolves and several Danish right-wing politicians want it to be easier to shoot wolves in Denmark. Wolves kill several livestock animals annually.
Afraid of wolves
Lack of knowledge and awareness of wolves among the population means that many Danes are still afraid of wolves – and fear creates resistance. At the same time, one-sided news articles with sensationalist headlines are often published in certain Danish newspapers, which strengthens the resistance against wolves.
A new poll shows that one third feel unsafe about the return of wolves to Denmark. Two thirds believe that wolf protection should be less restricted or completely ended.
Are wolves dangerous to humans?
Wolf attacks on humans in modern Europe are extremely rare. The few documented attacks in Europe over the past 200 years have primarily been carried out by rabies infected wolves. There have been no recorded attacks on humans in Denmark since the wolf’s return to the wild in 2012.
According to a report titled “Wolf attacks on humans: an update for 2002-2020” by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, the risks associated with a wolf attacking a human are “above zero, but far too low to calculate”.
More on the subject?
The key to living with wolves in Europe? Read more at rewildingeurope.com.