Wolf in Lower Saxony: How to protect yourself during encounters!

Wolf in Lower Saxony: How to protect yourself during encounters!

Good news for nature lovers: The wolf has returned to Lower Saxony. Although encounters with these shy animals are rare, it is important to know how to behave if you encounter a wolf. Experts from the nature conservation association NABU have put together some helpful tips to make these opportunities safe.

A basic rule is: stay calm. In panicked situations, a human might instinctively run away, which could activate the wolf's natural hunting instinct. Instead, you should stop and maintain eye contact to signal to the animal that you are not a threat. If the wolf does not back away, loud noises or making it bigger by raising your arms can be used to scare it away.

Be careful when meeting dogs

There are additional recommendations for dog owners. It is advisable to keep the dog on a leash in known wolf areas, especially during the mating season from January to March. Wolves could perceive a free-roaming dog as a rival, which could lead to dangerous encounters. In the event of an unexpected encounter with a wolf, you should call the dog back and retreat quietly together.

The return of wolves to German regions not only raises questions about their behavior, but also about the safety of people. While there have been very few attacks on people worldwide - only 14 in total in the last 18 years in Europe and North America - statistics show that no attacks have been recorded in Germany. However, ongoing monitoring of such animals is crucial. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, the Ministry of the Environment is responsible for wolf monitoring, which is supported by the forestry zoology department at the Technical University of Dresden.

It is important to emphasize that approaching wolves should be approached with caution. Touching or getting too close can be dangerous not only for humans, but also for animals. Some wolves could be carriers of disease, and injured animals could fight back. In order to avoid dangerous situations, a responsible wolf advisor should always be contacted in case of doubt.

Dietary habits and human settlements also play a role in wolf behavior. They may become habituated to food sources found near humans. Feeding wolves is categorically rejected, as this accustoms the animal to human proximity and causes it to lose its natural shyness. Incidents in the Netherlands in 2024 show that fed wolves that have been habituated to humans can exhibit atypical behavior.

For those who have the opportunity to observe wolves in the wild, there is the opportunity to take photos - always from a respectful distance. Documenting their behavior can be important for wolf monitoring and should be reported to the responsible authorities, according to NABU. This information is essential for protecting the animals and people in the elevated wolf areas.

For more information on this topic and for further tips, visit the website NDR.de.