Greenlanders understand Danish wolf fears despite polar bears

People in Greenland understand why Danes are afraid when a wolf appears near their homes, DR reports. But some believe the Danish debate has become somewhat bigger than necessary.

Residents interviewed by DR at Nuuk Centre said they had been following Denmark’s debate over the “problem wolf”, which has featured prominently on social media and television.

“If I were them, I would have shot it by now,” said Albertine Noahsen from Nuuk.

Claus Nielsen, head of Greenland’s Hunting and Fishing Control, said he was surprised that wolves were allowed to come so close to people.

“They are predators. In Greenland, if animals come too close, we try to drive them away,” he said.

In parts of Greenland, particularly in the north and east, people must also deal with polar bears entering populated areas. The procedure is similar to the one used in Denmark, Nielsen said.

“We try to chase them away. If they keep coming back, permission is obtained to shoot them,” he said.

Anyone who sees a polar bear in Greenland must contact the fishing and hunting department, which decides whether the animal should be killed.

Esther Rosing, another resident interviewed at Nuuk Centre, said she would also be afraid if wolves entered villages.

“I have seen many pictures of it, including wolves going into villages. I would be afraid too,” she said.

Christian Egede said Greenland’s vast land areas made the situation different from Denmark.

“Denmark is such a small country, and it is heavily populated. When a predator spreads in such a small country with so many inhabitants, I think it should be removed,” he said.