diff --git a/src/higlass/widget.js b/src/higlass/widget.js
index 30b3bb3..85364d2 100644
--- a/src/higlass/widget.js
+++ b/src/higlass/widget.js
@@ -273,6 +273,12 @@ function addEventListenersTo(el) {
     signal: controller.signal,
   });
 
+  // prevent wheel events from scrolling the page while allowing HiGlass zoom
+  el.addEventListener("wheel", (event) => event.stopPropagation(), {
+    signal: controller.signal,
+    passive: false,
+  });
+
   return () => controller.abort();
 }