New report concludes wolves in Oksbøl likely fed by humans

A new assessment by environmental researchers suggests wolves in the Oksbøl area of western Denmark have been actively fed, leading to unusual behaviour toward humans.

The report, published by DCE – National Centre for Environment and Energy at Aarhus University, examined multiple wolf encounters in and around Oksbøl. Thirteen incidents were classified as showing “confirmed or possible deviant behaviour,” according to DR.

One case involved a 14-year-old girl who filmed a wolf following her as she walked home from a sports hall in Oksbøl. Researchers concluded the wolves’ persistent, approach-seeking behaviour—observed in several instances—likely stems from being rewarded with food.

“The fact that attention in multiple cases was clearly directed at visible humans rather than buildings or locations suggests the behaviour arose from active feeding of (young) wolves in the area, rather than passively discarded food waste,” the report states.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.