The debate about wolves in the Netherlands has again intensified this summer. Attacks on livestock and encounters with humans and dogs have scaremongers calling for extreme measures. But let’s be clear – killing wolves is not the answer. Not only are these majestic creatures protected under European law, but as a keystone species they play a vital role in Europe’s ecosystems. We need wolves and with proper education and preventative measures, coexistence is entirely possible, even in one of Europe’s most densely populated countries.
Since their return to the Netherlands in 2015, after a 150-year absence, wolves have faced a barrage of misinformation and blatant falsehoods. Media and politicians have been quick to brand them a ‘problem’, stoking fear and calls for lethal control.
Take the incident on 6 July in the province of Utrecht, when a wolf attacked a dog. It was immediately labelled a ‘problem wolf’ by the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) without any real understanding of the context. This wasn’t a rogue predator; it was a protective parent defending its pups.
A few days later, there were reports about a wolf biting a young girl, but causing no serious harm. Sensational headlines ignited fears and called for drastic measures. However, two wolf experts questioned the reported damage and after reviewing photos of the girl’s injuries, they determined they did not match a wolf bite.
Avoiding confrontations
It wasn’t until after the incident with the dog, and the supposed bite, that the province of Utrecht warned people to avoid the area, even though they were already aware that a wolf pair with pups was living there. The province could have acted earlier to prevent potential confrontation.
A few days later, similar incidents happened further west, where a lone wolf from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug knocked over a child and attacked a dog. Experts believe this wolf has an unusually high interest in dogs. In response, the province has applied for a permit to capture, tag, and recondition the wolf to prevent further interactions with humans. They also advise locals against taking small children into forest areas and recommend keeping dogs on a leash and close at all times.
Gaping holes in prevention policy
The Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) has now urged Dutch authorities to better prevent and address problematic wolf behaviour. In a letter to State Secretary Jean Rummenie (BBB) and provincial governments, the LCIE emphasises the need for a coordinated, effective policy in the densely populated Netherlands to manage such situations involving wolves and people. Currently, no such policy exists.
Tools left unused
Preventing conflicts with livestock is also crucial. In Gelderland, where wolves have been present for longer, there have already been 50 more wolf attacks this year than in the whole of 2023. In the first half of this year alone, wolves were responsible for 360 incidents across the Netherlands. The increase in attacks is linked to the growing wolf population – from 29 wolves a year and a half ago to 51 last winter.
Are wolves also getting better at hunting livestock? No, because most attacks happen where farmers have chosen not to take basic precautions. Many don’t use proper fences or guard dogs, leaving their livestock vulnerable. BIJ12, the organisation that oversees wolf management, has highlighted this lack of action, and is offering a range of preventative measures, including grants for fencing, guard dogs and cameras.
The success of livestock guardian dogs on the Veluwe is proof that coexistence can and does work. Shepherds who use these dogs in addition to proper fencing haven’t lost any sheep, while others continue to suffer. Wolves are smart – they go after easy prey. When livestock are protected, the wolves move on.
Wolf protection status under fire
However instead of improving protection, people like Harold Zoet – the BBB’s representative in the province of Gelderland since 28 June 2023 – are pushing to downgrade the wolf’s protected status and open the door to culling. Zoet even lobbies in Brussels, where in 2023 he presented a report on the damage caused by wolves.
Given that the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) is part of the current Dutch government, it’s no surprise that Dutch authorities are backing the European Commission’s recent push to downgrade the wolf’s protection status. Yet, the proposal to change the conservation status is not based on reliable scientific data and undermines existing EU legislation.
Government wolf policies, including those in the Netherlands, should prioritise coexistence over culling. Recent rulings by the EU Court of Justice confirm that the legal grounds for shooting wolves are, and will continue to be, limited. It’s crucial to act now, before fear and misinformation lead to the eradication of a species that has only just begun to recover.