Wolf attacks woman in Hamburg in Germany's first such incident

Wolves in Cities: How Dangerous Are They, and How Should You React?

A wolf attacked a woman in Hamburg, and in North Rhine-Westphalia, wolves increasingly stray into urban areas. How should people respond? In an interview, wolf expert Wolfgang Kwasnitza of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) North Rhine-Westphalia explains why he believes the wolf in Hamburg was highly stressed.

On Monday evening in Hamburg-Altona, a woman was reportedly bitten by a wolf in a busy shopping street. According to authorities, this marks the first confirmed wolf attack on a human in Germany since the species returned to the country. What should you do in such a case? We put the question to Wolfgang Kwasnitza, spokesperson for the NABU North Rhine-Westphalia State Wolf Committee.

This is actually quite normal behavior. In spring, young wolves reach sexual maturity and leave their packs. They then roam in search of their own territory or a mate, sometimes covering 70 to 80 kilometers a day. They often use roads and paths because it's easier for them—and that's how they can end up in villages or even city centers.

Was the attack on the woman also normal behavior?

No, that is extremely unusual and, to my knowledge, a one-off case in Germany. The wolf was likely under immense stress. If an animal has been wandering the city for days, constantly encountering people and possibly feeling cornered, such reactions can occur. The key point: This was not typical predatory behavior but almost certainly an exceptional situation.

How should people behave if they encounter a wolf?

Stay calm, don't run away, and give the animal space to retreat. You can make your presence known—by shouting or clapping, for example. It's crucial to keep your distance and avoid luring the wolf closer or approaching it. Dogs should always be kept on a leash.

Are such encounters becoming more common?

There are now more wolves in Germany, so we're seeing wandering animals—including near settlements—more often. These are usually young, inexperienced wolves. That's why it's important not to attract them further into cities with waste or inappropriate behavior.

I don't see the wolf as a risk but as part of our natural world. Wolves were gone for a long time, and now they're returning. What matters is handling the situation objectively—and learning how to respond correctly.