Increasing Number of Wolf Attacks on Livestock in Denmark

Reports from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) indicate a rise in wolf attacks on livestock. New statistics show that the number of incidents has increased significantly from 2022 to 2023. In 2022, 32 wolf attacks were reported, while in 2023, this number surged to a total of 57 incidents.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this increase is attributed to a growing wolf population and their expansion into new areas. Special Consultant Lasse Jensen from the agency explained in a press release that the rising number of attacks is directly linked to the increasing wolf population in the country. As of January 2024, it is estimated that there are between 37 and 50 wolves in Jutland (Jylland), a region of Denmark.

In response to the issue, environmental authorities are working on promoting the use of wolf-proof fencing, which is expected to reduce the number of wolf attacks in the long run. Data from previous years shows a trend of increasing attacks; for example, in 2021, only 16 attacks were recorded, which is significantly lower than both 2022 and 2023.

Wolves in Denmark primarily prey on deer species, particularly roe deer (rådyr) and red deer (krondyr). The return of wolves to Denmark has sparked both concern and fascination, and the debate on how to best manage this predator continues.

As the wolf population increases, the discussions surrounding wildlife management and the protection of livestock will likely intensify, highlighting the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in the region.