Private citizens get permit to shoot problem wolves near Oksbøl

Four private individuals have been granted permission to shoot wolves displaying problematic behaviour in the area between Blåvandshuk, Oksbøl and Vejers, Danish broadcaster DR reported, citing the Danish Agency for Green Area Transformation and Water Environment.

The agency has so far received 18 applications, with the first four approved. The permit holders, who hold hunting licences, may shoot a wolf if it comes within 30 metres on land they own or lease. The shooter must be fully visible — not hidden in a hunting tower or behind cover — so the wolf has a chance to detect the human, said Claus Lind Christensen, chairman of the Danish Hunters’ Association. He assessed that the rules minimise the risk of shooting the wrong wolf.

The measure follows several incidents where wolves approached humans. A report from Aarhus University concluded that wolves had shown reduced shyness or directly approaching behaviour towards people. The permits are valid until 22 June.