Stehen bleiben, Blickkontakt herstellen: Dänemark sagt Touristen, wie sie sich bei einem Wolfstreffen verhalten sollen

Denmark's tourism authorities have issued detailed guidelines advising visitors on how to react if they encounter a wolf during their stay. The guidance includes standing still, making direct eye contact, and using "maximum resistance" if attacked. This comes amid growing concerns over the increasing number of wolves in the region, particularly near the tourist hub of Oksbøl. Wolves have returned to Denmark after a 200-year absence, with estimates suggesting there are currently 49 individuals on the Jutland peninsula. Their reappearance began in 2012, marking a gradual ecological recovery. While wolves generally avoid human interaction, recent observations indicate some young wolves in the Oksbøl area have begun approaching people more frequently. This behavior has raised alarms among local officials and conservation experts alike. To address these concerns, the municipality of Varde and Visit Vesterhavet have distributed informational materials in Danish, English, and German. These flyers are available at holiday homes, campsites, and tourist offices. Visitors are instructed to remain calm and still upon encountering a wolf, maintain eye contact, and take photographs. If the animal does not retreat, they are encouraged to shout, clap, and wave their arms to assert dominance. It is explicitly warned against following or turning one’s back on a wolf. The advice emphasizes staring directly at the animal to demonstrate strength. In the case of an actual attack, tourists are advised to resist aggressively, using physical force or any available blunt object. Although there have been no recorded incidents of wolves attacking humans in Denmark, the government has taken proactive measures to ensure public safety. Additionally, children under ten are recommended to be supervised by adults in the Oksbøl area due to the heightened risk associated with young wolves. Historically, wolves have inhabited Denmark for thousands of years, with the oldest known wolf bones dating back 13,000 years. However, their population declined significantly after the last known wolf was hunted in 1813. Over the past two decades, wolves have gradually made a comeback, leading to a complex social and political debate within the country. Recent events, such as the killing of two ponies by wolves in April, have intensified public discourse. Some members of the far-right Danish People’s Party were reportedly reported to police for sharing a Facebook post encouraging people to "shoot the wolf," highlighting the divisive nature of the issue. Despite the controversy, wolves are legally protected under EU law, which prohibits hunting unless specific conditions are met. Wildlife ecologist Peter Sunde, a professor at Aarhus University, noted that during the winter and spring of 2026, at least two young wolves were observed approaching humans in the Oksbøl area. He explained that this behavior typically occurs when young wolves are repeatedly exposed to humans, raising questions about the role of tourists in influencing such patterns. Sunde emphasized the importance of educating both residents and visitors about proper conduct in the presence of wolves to prevent the development of dangerous habits in future generations. Sandie Eis Ravn, Varde’s second deputy mayor, stated that the initiative was driven by requests from local businesses seeking to enhance visitor safety and awareness. She highlighted the need for tourists to understand appropriate behavior when encountering wolves in the wild, reinforcing the message that respectful distance and adherence to guidelines are crucial for coexistence.