Dog owners are being urged to supervise their pets, particularly at night, in wolf inhabited areas following the deaths of two dogs believed to be killed by wolves. Experts suggest the incidents may stem from territorial disputes, highlighting the risk dogs face when encountering wolves. The Agency for Green Conversion and Water Environment is planning to enhance its communication regarding responsible dog ownership in wolf areas.

Professor Peter Sunde from Aarhus University explains that wolves are territorial animals and will defend their territory. If a dog enters a wolf’s territory, the wolf will signal for the dog to leave. However, dogs may not always understand these signals, leading to potential attacks.

The two dogs were found dead in areas known for wolf presence, south of Ikast and south of Ulfborg. The Agency for Green Conversion and Water Environment reported that in both instances, the dogs were allowed to roam freely at night. The agency believes the encounters between the dogs and wolves were accidental.

Sunde notes that dogs often exhibit puppy-like behavior and can misinterpret wolf signals. Even when a wolf signals a dog to leave, the dog may misinterpret it as an invitation to play, which can have fatal consequences. Clashes between dogs and wolves often result in fatalities for the dogs. Similar incidents occur annually in Sweden and Norway.

Sunde advises dog owners in wolf areas to always supervise their dogs, particularly from sunset to sunrise. He expressed surprise at the apparent prevalence of allowing dogs to roam freely, emphasizing the risk involved.

The Agency for Green Conversion and Water Environment has announced it will strengthen its communication efforts to educate dog owners on how to protect their pets in areas with wolves. The owners of the deceased dogs will receive compensation.