The province of Utrecht is granting a permit to shoot the wolf that bit a runner on the Den Treek estate this spring. The Provincial Executive announced this on Wednesday.
Wolf GW3237m has been involved in several incidents with people in recent years. In May, he bit a runner without provocation. “Wolf experts believe that this wolf poses a direct danger to people. Therefore, they advise killing him,” says Deputy Mirjam Sterk (Nature and Agriculture).
DNA research confirmed that the same wolf was involved in various incidents on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug last summer. He came close to people and dogs several times then.
The province granted a permit last year to deter the wolf by capturing him and fitting him with a transmitter. But the permit did not hold up in court.
The new permit, which was requested by De Faunabeheereenheid Utrecht, will be published on Friday. People who object to the permit have four days from Friday to file an objection. Animal Rights and De Faunabescherming have already gone to court several times to stop the shooting of wolves.
Visitors to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug are still advised not to enter the forest alone, to stay on the paths and to keep an eye on children. A temporary leash law for dogs is already in effect in the area.
Runners, mountain bikers and people on horseback are advised to be extra alert. These activities can awaken the wolf’s hunting instinct.