Two dogs in Denmark are believed to have been killed by wolves, marking the first such incidents since wolves repopulated the country in 2012. According to the Danish Agency for Green Conversion and Water Environment, the attacks occurred in different parts of Jutland.

One dog was discovered on April 18 near a road south of Ikast in Central Jutland. Traces of wolf DNA were found on this dog, and the bite pattern, along with other wolf traces in the area, strongly suggest it was killed by a wolf. The other dog was found on March 10 south of Ulfborg in West Jutland.

While it can’t be definitively confirmed, the agency believes the bite marks on the dog found near Ulfborg are similar to those on the dog found near Ikast. Both dogs were reportedly allowed to roam freely at night, and the encounters with the wolves are thought to be accidental.

Head of Division Jens Skovager Østergaard stated that these incidents do not indicate the presence of a “problem wolf,” as a problem wolf would typically attack dogs within fenced gardens, on leashes, or under the owner’s direct control.

The agency is emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs under supervision in wolf areas. “I have great understanding that it is terrible for the two dog owners, and we are now strengthening our communication about how to take care of your dog in areas with wolves,” said Jens Skovager Østergaard.

Arne Jørgensen, owner of the springerspaniel that disappeared near Ulfborg on March 10, told TV Midtvest that his dog was found dead 200 meters from their house, and he believes the dog was taken from within 15 meters of their home. The family will no longer allow future dogs to roam freely.

The owners of the deceased dogs will receive compensation, according to the agency. Current wolf monitoring estimates a population of 42 wolves in Jutland.

Recently, Minister for Green Tripartite Jeppe Bruus launched a wolf action plan to broaden the definition of a “problem wolf” to include those that venture into urban areas or attack livestock even behind wolf-proof fences. This new definition could lead to permission to cull such wolves.