In recent weeks, five attacks on sheep have been reported in Beilen. These attacks on livestock occurred near mobile electric fences within the pilot project (refers to another website). The urgent analysis following the attacks revealed that in four cases DNA from the same wolf (GW4890m) of the Drents-Friese Wold pack was found. In one case, it was a dog. According to the national IPO Wolf Plan, a wolf that crosses a wolf-proof fence multiple times must be removed from the population. Therefore, we classify this wolf as a problem wolf.
When will the province cull this wolf?
We will initiate the process to remove this wolf from the population. We will do our best to track down this problem wolf. We do not know if this wolf is still present in the area. It may be searching for its own territory and may have moved on. This wolf has also killed several sheep in Friesland in the past. It may currently be roaming there. Therefore, we are in contact with our Frisian colleagues. We are preparing a culling permit.
Additional measures with flutter ribbons
To minimize damage to livestock by wolves, some participants in the pilot project have used flutter ribbons. These ribbons move in the wind and can temporarily scare off wolves. This effect usually lasts only a few weeks; after that, habituation occurs. Therefore, the ribbons are now being removed. They were used as an extra measure when attacks occurred within the test fences. To intervene with a wolf that repeatedly attacks livestock behind approved fences, we must demonstrate that we take sufficient measures to prevent the wolf from crossing the fence. The ribbons are an example of such an additional measure.
How does this work in practice?
Eighteen livestock owners are now participating in the pilot project. Together with the province, they are testing various ways to prevent wolf damage. A few simple conditions apply to flutter ribbons:
- the ribbons must be able to move freely;
- they must not get tangled in the electric fence;
- the electric fence wire must have sufficient voltage.
In addition to flutter ribbons, cameras have been installed and flashing lights have been used. This way, we continue to work together with our livestock owners on practical solutions, with attention to both the safety of their animals and the dynamics of nature in our province.
