Wolves are usually not dangerousHow wolves and humans can live well together

The return of wolves to Germany frightens some people. But it is a myth that the animals are dangerous to us. And we can also protect sheep and goats on pastures without having to shoot wolves.

Wolves have been living in Germany again for over 20 years. There are now over 180 packs¹ but their numbers vary every year. After being considered extinct in this country for 150 years, this is a great success for species conservation. Animal and nature conservationists are delighted. But it also scares some people. Animal owners are worried about their herds. This is why hunters would like to target the small population again. Yet wolves are not usually dangerous to humans. And even where animals are kept for farming, peaceful coexistence between humans and wolves is possible with a few measures.

The fear of wolves is primarily fueled by fairy tales of the "big bad wolf". However, they have not attacked any humans since their return to Germany. In both Europe and North America, incidents or attacks by wolves are extremely rare. And in the few cases that have occurred, the wolves were either suffering from rabies or had become too accustomed to humans feeding them. Germany has been considered rabies-free since 2008. In this country, it is also forbidden to feed wolves under the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

Wolves are naturally cautious towards humans and avoid meeting them directly. This means that humans rarely encounter wolves, even in areas populated by wolves. Anyone who does come face to face with a wolf should remain calm and keep their distance. If the animal does not retreat and the situation seems uncomfortable, speak loudly or clap your hands to make yourself heard. If the wolf approaches you unexpectedly, stand still and make yourself big. Try to intimidate him.

If people are accompanied by dogs, this can influence the behavior of wolves. Dogs should therefore be called to you, kept on a lead and calmly withdrawn with them.

Wolves fulfill important tasks in our forests. Where they live, the number of their prey, such as roe deer or red deer, remains at an appropriate level. This protects the shrubs and trees that they would otherwise nibble on in the same places over and over again. Wolves also hunt and eat the weak and sick animals. In this way, they ensure that the stronger and fitter ones reproduce. The populations of wild animals are therefore better able to withstand harsh and changing environmental conditions. Wolves are therefore an important part of our ecosystem.

In recent years, wolves have repeatedly killed sheep, goats and, more rarely, cattle, horses and fallow deer on pastures and in enclosures. If sheep and goats are not protected, they are particularly easy prey for wolves. Unlike deer, stags and wild boar, they can neither flee nor defend themselves. Wolves do not distinguish between wild animals living in the wild and farm animals. They choose the easiest route. Farmers must therefore protect their animals, especially in wolf territories. Electric net or high wire mesh fences are suitable for this purpose^.2  For  their safety, they can also bring the animals into the barn at night or guard large flocks with livestock guarding dogs. Most federal states provide subsidies so that sheep and goat farmers or operators of wildlife enclosures do not have to bear the costs of protection alone. The authorities also compensate them financially in the unlikely event that something happens to their animals even though they have taken protective measures.