DNA research and a prey with typical bite marks shows that the wolf has found its way to our province, but forester John Didderen is not afraid of it. According to him, German research shows that there are hardly any confrontations with people and that deer and wild boar in particular are on the animal’s menu. Livestock farmer and politician Ad Baltus is less happy; he would prefer to see immediate action taken: “But in the Netherlands, we let things get out of hand before we do management,” he says.
According to forester Didderen, people with small livestock such as sheep and goats should protect their animals against the wolf. “That can be done very well with electricity or grids, for example. But we are not used to that and that is now open to discussion.”
If it is up to the farmer, there is no need for discussion. He would prefer that measures be taken immediately: “As soon as the wolf causes a problem and feasts on land and domestic animals, it has to go,” he says firmly to Baltus.
The wolf that has been spotted in the province seems to be a passer-by for the time being. There are no indications that the four-legged friend has settled here permanently.