May 10, 2024 6:18 am
Province intervenes in case of non-shy wolf in North Veluwe
Photo Province of Gelderland
This week, the province of Gelderland granted a permit to shoot a paintball gun at a non-shy wolf on the North Veluwe. The province wants to make the wolf shy again and teach it not to come within a short distance (30 meters) of people.
Intervene in the event of a current incident
‘The implementation of the permit lies with a few professionals who work in the area and can be on location quickly. It is important that the wolf learns through a ‘pain stimulus’ that people can be a threat to them. In order to play paintball, the incident must occur at that moment. The wolf then makes the link between staying a short distance from people and the pain stimulus. In this way, the wolf learns to distance itself from people again,” Gelderland explains.
Permit for North Veluwe territory
The permit applies to the territory of the wolf pack on the North Veluwe. There the wolf pack shows abnormal behavior. The North Veluwe area includes the municipalities of Ermelo, Putten, Harderwijk, Nunspeet, Elburg, Oldebroek, Heerde, Epe, Apeldoorn and Barneveld. The permit is valid for 18 months from the moment it takes effect.
What should I do if a wolf approaches me or comes within a short distance of me? Call 0900-8844
First of all, the advice is to remain calm and not approach the wolf. Try, as best you can, to continue your journey as normally as possible. It can help to scare the wolf by raising your voice or clapping your hands, for example. The Province of Gelderland urges you to contact us as soon as possible once you have come into contact with the wolf. You can contact the regional police control room on 0900-8844, or in emergencies call 112. This way the report reaches the right people so that they can take action.
