Wolves are back in the Netherlands, and while they're wonderful to see in the wild, their presence also raises questions. Especially for people who hike in wooded areas, with or without a dog or children. What do you do if you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a wolf? And how do you stay safe? In this blog post, we share practical tips, reliable information, and smart tools from Deltron to help you prepare for your hike.
Are wolves really dangerous?
A word of reassurance first: Wolves are naturally shy and avoid people. The chance of encountering a wolf is small, and even smaller that it will attack you. Still, it's good to know what you can do to prevent confrontations and what to do if one does happen, especially if you're walking a dog or children.
What should you do if you see a wolf?
- Stay calm and stop walking
- Look at the wolf but not threateningly
- Walk backward slowly, maintaining eye contact
- Keep at least 100 meters distance
- Make yourself big: arms up, stand on your toes
- If the wolf comes too close or seems curious, make a loud noise with a shrill sound.
What NOT to do when encountering a wolf
- Don't run – this triggers the hunting instinct
- Don't feed – you make the wolf dependent on people
- Do not crush or put down – this may arouse the animal's curiosity
- Don't chase – always give the wolf space
Walking with your dog(s) in wolf territory
Dogs and wolves don't make a good mix. A wolf sees a dog as competition or an intruder. Here's how to stay safe:
- Always keep your dog on a leash, preferably short, or use a special short leash that is attached to his harness or collar as standard.
- Small dog? Pick him up if you see a wolf
- Big dog? Keep him close and close to you.
- Stay calm – dogs sense your stress – never run!
- Take your alarm or air horn and make noise with it and move it from left to right and from right to left
Smart solutions from Deltron to deter wolves and make yourself visible
Safely exploring nature? Take these Deltron products with you:
- Mace Alarm Button (130 dB): Small and powerful. Wear it on your keys, wrist, pocket, jacket, or bag. Can also be worn on a lanyard around your neck. Ideal for deterring a wolf.
- Safe and Sound Dog Leash with Air Horn (115 dB): Instant sound at hand when needed.
- Mace Sonic Blast Screecher (116 dB) : Extra shrill sound to scare off wolves (and also unwanted persons).
- Tracer Lamp (up to 500 lumens) : Light your path and increase your visibility. Compatible with a wristband, headband, or vest.
- Tracer2 LED vest and Tracer Junior for kids: Ensures visibility and safety, both front and rear. Rechargeable and reflective.
Can I still safely go into nature with my child(ren) and dog(s)?
Yes, absolutely! But keep your dog on a leash at all times. If you still want to let your dog stretch its legs by running, keep it in plain sight, not too far away, so you can quickly call it back if necessary. Regarding children, wolves don't see children as prey. If you follow the rules (keep your distance, make noise in emergencies, and keep your dog on a leash), you can simply enjoy a nice walk.
What if you cycle or ride a horse?
- Don't run away from an encounter – stop, raise your voice, grab your deterrent and make some noise, such as a Mace alarm button or Sonic Blast screecher.
- On horseback? Stay calm, make bold gestures, and raise your voice if necessary. Let your horse stand or walk calmly, but don't gallop! This can trigger the wolf's prey instinct. If you have several horses and people with you, position the horses, if possible, side by side with their heads toward the wolf, so the horses can see it. If the wolf doesn't immediately leave, walk slowly past it and make noise with your voice and hands if it gets too close.
What to do if you see a wolf or discover tracks?
Report it to the BIJ12 Wolf Hotline. This way, you contribute to sound nature management. Never chase a wolf yourself!
Extra tip
Download the WolfAlert App. Want to know if there are wolves nearby during your walk or bike ride? Download the free WolfAlert App on your smartphone. This app shows you the current locations of sightings of wolves and allows you to easily report a wolf sighting or tracking. This contributes to safer nature experiences and better wolf management.
Want to explore nature with peace of mind? Then browse our safety products now and be well-prepared for every adventure. View all Deltron products.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Wolves and Safety
Can I scare off a wolf with sound?
Yes, products such as the Mace Alarm Button, Sonic Blast Screecher, or the Safe and Sound air horn produce sounds above 110 dB, which deters wolves.
Which products are useful during a wolf encounter?
For adults: Mace Alarm, Tracer Flashlight, LED vest. For children: Tracer Junior and possibly an alarm on a lanyard.
Are these tools also effective against other animals or unwanted situations?
Absolutely! The alarms are also effective against aggressive dogs or unwanted human attention.
Where can I buy these products?
Visit our webshop or view the products via the links in this blog.
