The wolf that was shot dead in Wapse on Sunday was a young male. Research into the cadaver, which was done at the Dutch Wildlife Health Center of Utrecht University, has shown this.
In a few weeks, after the results of the DNA research are known, the researchers will also be able to say where the wolf came from. The DNA research is being done by a research institute of Wageningen University. It can then be determined, among other things, whether the wolf belonged to the pack that is close to Wapse in the Drents-Friese Wold.
The wolf was shot on Sunday after biting a sheep farmer. The farmer wanted to chase the animal away with a shovel, whereupon the animal bit the farmer’s arm. He sustained damaged tendons.
The mayor of Westerveld, Rikus Jager, decided that the wolf had to be shot. That is allowed if a wolf endangers public safety. Animal rights activists have filed a complaint against the municipality for the ‘murder of a wolf’. In their opinion, the animal defended itself and did not attack. Killing a wolf illegally can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.