Wolf sightings in the Netherlands have risen in recent years, which is remarkable because wolves have not been present in the country for roughly 150 years. After several sheep were found dead in three different places in Drenthe in the past few days, it looks like a wolf may be in the country again.
Dagblad van het Noorden reported on the most common questions about the presence of wolves in the region.
How often are wolves spotted in the north?
A wolf was reported in Barger-Compascuum in Drenthe last week. Last August, a wolf killed two sheep in Nieuwe Statenzijl in the province of Groningen. On 3 March 2017, a dead wolf was found near the A28 in Veeningen in Drenthe. In 2015, a wolf was spotted walking from Zuidoost-Drenthe toward Foxhol in Groningen.
Where are wolves coming from?
Germany, which has a population of about 650 wolves. Young wolves leave their pack and travel hundreds of kilometres to find their own territory. Biologists think it is just a matter of time before wolves begin to settle in the Netherlands on a permanent basis.
Should we be worried about the wolves?
Yes and no. Wolves naturally avoid humans, but these wolves are protected and are not afraid of humans. If you encounter a wolf, keep your distance, do not feed it, do not chase it, keep your dogs on a short leash and walk away calmly if the wolf gets close to you.
What do wolves eat?
Meat, usually 3 to 4 kilos a day. Wolves prefer to target weaker animals like bares, deer, rabbits and sheep. Sheep farmers in Drenthe whose herds have been targeted can file a claim with the provincial Faunafonds.
