15 wolf attacks behind secure fencing in under two years

Denmark has recorded 15 wolf attacks on livestock behind certified wolf-proof fencing in less than two years, according to the Agency for Green Transition and Water Environment, with 10 in 2025 and five so far in 2026.

Some farmers are now turning to guardian dogs as an additional defence. In Tønder, sheep farmer Åse Svendsen has imported five Maremma puppies to protect her flock after 23 wolf attacks on her sheep.

Both the Danish Sheep Farmers Association and Nature and Animal Welfare Minister Christian Rabjerg Madsen view guardian dogs as a promising supplementary measure.

“I’m certain this could work for some,” said Torben Kousgård, a sheep farmer and board member of the association. “Any measure that can prevent an attack is worthwhile. But you have to remember these are dogs that can match a wolf, so handling them requires learning.”

Madsen called the approach “extremely interesting” and expressed openness to reviving a previous subsidy scheme for guardian dogs, which saw low uptake. Germany currently offers such support in several states.

While the minister reiterated that wolf-proof fencing remains the recommended solution, he signalled willingness to explore alternatives. “I’d be very happy to discuss this further with sheep farmers,” he said.