Nature group keeps wolf walk despite close encounter in North Jutland

Danmarks Naturfredningsforening will go ahead with a planned evening nature walk despite a recent close encounter between a runner and a wolf with a pup in Bunken Klitplantage, a dune plantation in North Jutland, DR reports.

Authorities have put up warning signs and advised people not to enter part of the plantation. But the local branch of the association has decided to hold the walk after reviewing the authorities’ guidance.

Participants will remain at least 500 metres from the area covered by the warning, according to tour leader Eigil Torp-Olesen.

“We must not become afraid to move around in nature. These are magnificent areas to walk in, and of course we must be able to continue doing so. But it must also be with respect for what we are dealing with,” he said.

The walk will focus on the protected natural area of Råbjerg Hede, next to Bunken Klitplantage. It is not a wolf walk, Torp-Olesen stressed, although he said the recent events could attract extra interest.

“If the wolf appears, and it is at an appropriate distance, that might be a plus for many people,” he said.

Experts have assessed that the encounter between the runner and the wolf was not dangerous. They said the wolf was trying to move the runner away from its pup.

After reviewing the runner’s video, experts said on Thursday that the wolf is not a problem wolf. Under European Union rules, it therefore cannot be shot.