Danish researchers find evidence of habitual wolf feeding after 13 close encounters near Oksbøl

A new report from Aarhus University examines 13 incidents of unusually bold wolf behaviour in and around Oksbøl, suggesting the animals may have been actively fed by humans, DR reports.

Over the past year, wolves in the area have repeatedly approached people at close range, with researchers documenting 13 cases classified as “confirmed or possible abnormal behaviour.” Seven of these encounters were captured on photo or video, showing wolves initiating contact with humans.

The report, published by the National Centre for Environment and Energy at Aarhus University, concludes that the wolves’ reduced fear of people and their behaviour meet international criteria for requiring official attention or intervention.

One incident, on 13 February this year, was deemed “critical.” A woman encountered a wolf on the main street of Blåvand late in the evening. According to the report, the animal came within one metre of her. “She describes being quite shocked,” the researchers note. “She stamps her foot and says ‘psst’ twice (not aggressively) to try to scare the wolf away, but it does not move, so she quickly walks on.”

The report maps all 13 encounters, which occurred in or near Oksbøl over the past year.