Wolves nearby: How to behave correctly and safely!

Wolves nearby: How to behave correctly and safely!

In recent years, living with wolves in Germany has increasingly come into focus. One of the main aspects of this discussion is safety when dealing with these wild animals. According to the nature conservation association NABU, attacks by wolves on people in Europe are extremely rare. The updated NINA study from Norway shows that only 14 documented attacks, including two fatal incidents in North America, have been recorded in the last 18 years. No attacks were reported in Germany itself. Many experts point out that the behavior of wolves approaching people and settlements is often linked to human actions such as feeding.

The primary rule when encountering wolves is not to panic. Running away could trigger the wolves' natural hunting instincts. Instead, you should remain calm, stand still and maintain eye contact with the animal. Wolves usually retreat on their own. If this does not happen, people can try to scare the wolf away by standing tall, shouting loudly, and clapping their hands while slowly backing away.

Conscious handling of dogs in wolf areas

Particular attention should also be paid to your own dog, especially if you are in known wolf areas. The mating season for wolves extends from January to March and a free-roaming dog could be seen as a threat or competitor by wolves. Experts therefore recommend always keeping dogs on a leash and, if necessary, calling them back to avoid a potential confrontation. A dog that cannot be controlled could further endanger the situation.

A practical statement from the experts is that people should never get too close to wolves or try to catch them. Even if wild rabies is no longer widespread in Germany, there is a risk that wolves can carry other diseases. Injured animals could also defend themselves and react aggressively. In the event of atypical behavior on the part of a wolf, the relevant authorities or wolf advisors should be informed to avoid further risks.

Feeding wolves is absolutely irresponsible. Such actions encourage animals to approach people and change their behavior. In the Netherlands, in the summer of 2024, there were repeated incidents involving a wolf that apparently became habituated to humans through feeding and thereby lost its natural behavior. This is not only harmful to the animal itself, but also poses dangers to the human population.

Overall, it turns out that the key to living safely with wolves is knowledge and responsible action. Visitors to wolf areas should be well informed about the behavior that must be observed for their own safety and the protection of the animals. This is particularly important in a country where animal populations are increasingly expanding and assimilating into human civilization.

For a detailed consideration of the case provides the report on www.ndr.de comprehensive information. By living in partnership with nature, we not only contribute to our own well-being, but also to the protection of endangered species.