Denmark advises tourists on how to react to wolf encounters

The Danish government has issued a warning to tourists and local residents that they should not approach or feed wolves, citing an increase in the species’ numbers and the need to manage human safety. Authorities advise visitors to remain calm, stand still, maintain eye contact, and, if confronted, to use “maximum resistance” to deter an attack. The advisory comes as wolves have re‑established a presence on the Jutland peninsula after a 200‑year absence.

Wolves first returned to Denmark in 2012 and, according to recent estimates, there are now about 49 individuals roaming the Danish countryside. The species’ resurgence has prompted the Ministry of Environment and Food to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes public education, monitoring of wolf movements, and guidelines for safe coexistence. The instructions for tourists are part of a broader strategy to reduce human‑wolf conflicts while protecting wildlife.

The government stresses that the new measures are precautionary and that the wolf population remains well below the carrying capacity of the region. By following the safety guidelines, visitors can help ensure that both humans and wolves can share the landscape without incident.