Despite more frequent encounters with humans, wolves still fear people, as recent research in Europe shows.
The wolf population in Europe is steadily recovering. Despite more frequent encounters with humans, wolves still exhibit fear towards people, according to research led by Dr. Dries Kuijper from the Institute of Mammal Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences.
Wolves’ Behavior Under Scrutiny
Dr. Kuijper’s team conducted experiments simulating human presence in forests, revealing that wolves tend to flee upon hearing human voices. In over 80% of cases, wolves ran away, compared to only 30% when hearing control sounds like owls or crows.
Fear Persists Despite Growing Numbers
While wolves are seen more often near human settlements, the research showed that they remain fearful of humans. These findings contradict the belief that wolves are becoming accustomed to people. The project, funded by Poland’s National Science Centre, will conclude in 2026, providing a clearer understanding of wolves’ behavior.