A recent poll conducted by Kieskompas and ANP has revealed a growing opposition to wolves in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Drenthe. The survey, which questioned nearly 15,000 Dutch citizens, found that 56% of Drenthe residents oppose the presence of wolves in the country, marking an increase from 54% last year. Flevoland also exhibits low levels of support for wolves, with a significant portion of its population expressing similar sentiments.
Drenthe stands out as the only province where over half of the inhabitants harbor strong opposition to wolves. In contrast, less than a third of residents in Utrecht, South Holland, and Overijssel hold such views.
The recent wolf bite incident in Leusden, where a child was bitten on the Den Treek estate, has reignited the debate surrounding wolves and their presence in the Netherlands. The child’s parents believe a wolf was responsible for the attack, and an investigation is currently underway by the Utrecht province.
Nationally, one in three Dutch citizens oppose the presence of wolves, a figure that remains unchanged from last year. However, the proportion of wolf supporters has declined from 41% to 36% in the past year. The remaining respondents either have no opinion or are unsure.
The poll also highlights a strong correlation between wolf opinions and political affiliation. Nearly three-quarters of those who voted for the SGP party in the November 2023 Dutch general elections are against wolves. Similarly, the majority of voters for the BBB (59% of voters) and FvD (53% of voters) parties also oppose wolves in the Netherlands. Conversely, nearly all those who voted for the PvdD, GL-PvdA, or Volt parties support the presence of wolves.
Wolves were largely absent from the Netherlands for over a century, eradicated by hunting and habitat loss. However, in recent years, wolves have begun to reappear, migrating from neighboring Germany. This has sparked a range of reactions, from ecological interest and excitement about their role in local ecosystems to concern and resistance from those worried about their impact on livestock and public safety. Drenthe, a rural province with a strong agricultural sector, appears to be a focal point of these concerns.
