Politicians push for wolf hunting season, but experts question effectiveness

Several Danish parliamentary candidates advocate for wolf hunting, but experts and an EU study cast doubt on its effectiveness.

The presence of wolves in Denmark has become a topic in the election campaign, with some politicians pushing for regulation and others advocating for the wolves to live freely. While experts question the effectiveness of regulation, they also note that wolves cannot be allowed to live entirely unrestricted.

Several parliamentary candidates, including Anders Kronborg from the Social Democrats in the South Jylland constituency, argue that wolves should be hunted. This call comes after authorities advised that children under ten should not be left alone in nature around Oksbøl, Blåvand, and Vejers Strand.

However, an EU study and experts suggest that hunting wolves may not necessarily reduce attacks on livestock or prevent wolves from approaching humans. Preventive measures are often more cost-effective, according to Peter Sunde, a professor at Aarhus University’s Institute for Ecoscience. Luigi Boitani, a retired professor from the University of Rome, agrees that completely preventing wolves from entering urban areas is impossible and not in line with EU directives.

Some politicians, like Kronborg, want Denmark to follow Sweden’s example by setting a maximum limit on the wolf population and culling a specific number annually. However, a 2023 EU study found that regulating wolf populations does not guarantee fewer problem wolves or attacks on livestock.

Experts emphasize that electric fences are the most effective solution to protect livestock, although they can be expensive to install and maintain. In some areas with high livestock density, it may be more practical to regulate the wolf population, according to Sunde. Boitani adds that preventive measures are generally the most effective, but targeted regulation of problem wolves can be necessary in certain cases.

Source: DR