Wolves and Hunting Dogs: How Hunters and Dog Owners Can Safely Cope with the Growing Wolf Population

The return of wolves to Germany has brought many challenges in recent years, especially for hunters and dog owners. As the wolf population in Germany continues to expand, reports of encounters between dogs and wolves are increasing, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Particularly in regions like Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Saxony, there have been more incidents where hunting dogs have been attacked and killed by wolves. These developments raise the question: How can hunters and dog owners in areas with high wolf density protect their animals and themselves?

Background: Growing Wolf Population and New Dangers

Wolves are strictly protected in Germany, which has led to a significant increase in their population in recent years. Particularly in rural areas characterized by forests and vast fields, encounters with wolves are becoming more common. While wolves are naturally shy around humans, practice shows that they are increasingly seeking proximity to inhabited areas and human activities. This is partly due to the lack of hunting and wolves becoming accustomed to humans, as experts have noted.

The main concern for many dog owners and hunters is that wolves perceive dogs as competition or intruders in their territory. Hunting dogs, in particular, are at risk due to their roles in driven and tracking hunts, as they often stray further from their owner, making them easier targets for a wolf pack. In some cases, such encounters have ended fatally for the dogs, as demonstrated by the incident in October 2024 in Brandenburg, where a hunting dog was killed and buried by wolves.

Behavioral Rules in Case of a Wolf Encounter: What to Do When the Wolf Approaches?

Preparing for a wolf encounter is the first step to minimizing risks. Dog owners, especially in wolf areas, should be aware that wolves may perceive dogs as threats or competition. Free-running dogs pose a significant danger, as they may be seen by wolves as intruders in their territory.

If you are out with your dog in a wolf area, observe the following rules:

• Always keep dogs on a leash: The safest protection for your dog is to keep it close to you at all times. Free-running dogs could be perceived by the wolf as prey or a threat, which could escalate the situation.
• Stay calm and secure the dog: If you encounter a wolf, keep your dog calm on the leash and try to avoid sudden movements. The wolf may show interest in the dog but will usually keep its distance from humans.
• Slowly retreat: Leave the encounter site calmly without taking your eyes off the wolf. A slow retreat towards your starting point signals to the wolf that there is no danger from you and your dog. It is important never to turn your back on the wolf.
• Act loudly and assertively: If the wolf approaches, make yourself big, clap your hands, and speak loudly. This can help to scare the wolf away. Wolves are often curious, especially young ones and hybrids, so it is important to meet their curiosity with determination.
• Avoid danger zones: Before your walk, inform yourself about current warnings in wolf areas. Authorities often provide information about areas where wolf activity has occurred, especially during mating season or when raising young, when wolves can become particularly territorial and aggressive.

Hunting Dogs and Wolves: An Increasing Problem

For hunters, the situation is particularly delicate. Hunting dogs used for tracking or during driven hunts are at increased risk, as they often stray further from the hunter and are thus more easily perceived as a threat by wolves. This was also the case with the hunting dog "Tora," who was attacked and killed by a wolf pack during a tracking hunt in Brandenburg in October 2024. The incident occurred just a few hundred meters from a populated area, showing that wolves can also venture close to human settlements.

The Brandenburg State Hunting Association (LJVB) is calling for regulation of the wolf population in light of the increasing number of wolf attacks on hunting dogs. The association advocates for the inclusion of the wolf in hunting law to control populations through targeted measures, thereby improving the protection of dogs and humans. President Dr. Dirk-Henner Wellershoff emphasizes that targeted culling and a permanent hunting season for wolves are necessary to regulate the population and ensure the safety of hunting dogs.

How to Prepare for Hunting and Walking

For hunters and dog owners, there are several measures to increase the safety of their dogs:

• Be cautious during driven hunts: The LJVB strongly advises hunting dog handlers to exercise special caution during driven hunts and to refrain from using dogs in regions with high wolf density. During the driven hunting season, one should carefully weigh whether the risk to the dog is acceptable.
• Do not use dogs for tracking: Tracking injured game poses special dangers, as hunting dogs often operate far from their handler. The LJVB therefore advises against tracking where dogs cannot be secured.
• Gather information: Before every hunting trip or walk, one should inform themselves about wolf activity in the region. Authorities often issue current warnings that should be taken seriously.

Preventive Measures: Protecting Humans and Dogs

Prevention is crucial not only for hunters but also for dog owners who are out in wolf areas. Especially in rural regions like Brandenburg or Lower Saxony, where regular wolf encounters occur, it is important to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended safety precautions.

It is important that dog owners not only protect their dogs but also avoid potential conflict situations with wolves by taking preventive measures. By adhering to leash laws, avoiding danger zones, and following the correct behaviors, the risk of wolf attacks can be significantly reduced.

Conclusion: Wolf Management as a Key Factor

The return of wolves to Germany is a natural process that brings new challenges for hunters and dog owners. The protection of dogs, especially hunting dogs, must be a top priority. While the regulation of the wolf population remains a hotly debated topic, dog owners and hunters can already contribute to minimizing the risk of wolf attacks with the right preparations and behaviors.

Through carefully planned outings, adherence to leash laws, and attention to regional warnings, everyone can help prevent conflicts between wolves and dogs. At the same time, it remains a challenge for politics and hunting associations to find solutions that ensure both the protection of wolves and the safety of dogs and humans.