The decision was prompted by an incident in late May at the Den Treek-Henschoten estate in Leusden, where a wolf unexpectedly bit a hiker without provocation. DNA testing confirmed it was GW3237m. According to wolf experts, this wolf poses a direct threat to humans. Therefore, they advise killing the wolf, as agreed in the Interprovincial Wolf Plan. The Faunabeheereenheid Utrecht has submitted a permit application to kill the wolf. This organization will ensure that the permit is processed correctly.
Wolf GW3237m was involved in multiple incidents last summer. In an attempt to stop this wolfs behavior, the province granted a permit in 2024 to deter the wolf by capturing and collaring it. However, this permit was overturned by the court.
Publication of the culling permit
To allow stakeholders to initiate legal proceedings, the provincial government decided to let the environmental permit take effect four days after publication. The granted environmental permit will be publicly available from Friday, July 11 on overheid.nl external link.
Advice
To minimize the chance of new incidents, the province of Utrecht advises residents and recreationalists to remain vigilant and consider the following advice:
- Preferably go in groups into the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
- Be extra alert when running, horseback riding, or mountain biking in forested areas. These activities can trigger the wolfs hunting instinct.
- As an event organizer, take appropriate measures to prevent confrontations between wolves and visitors/participants.
- Always stay on paths in the forest.
- Avoid forests between sunset and sunrise.
- Keep your dog on a short leash and be aware of the leash requirement.
- Do not let children under 10 enter the forest alone.
- Ensure that children under 10 are visible to an adult.
- Avoid unexpected situations that may startle wolves, such as hide and seek.
- Be aware of what to do if you encounter a wolf.
Restaurants, campsites, and other recreational businesses can be visited, taking the above advice into account.
If you encounter a wolf
If visitors to forest areas encounter a wolf, the advice remains as follows:
- Slowly back away.
- Keep your distance: at least one hundred meters.
- If a wolf approaches too closely, speak loudly and make yourself big. Let the wolf know you are there!
- Keep your dog on a short leash.
- Report to the wolf reporting point of BIJ12 external link. Your report contributes to understanding where wolves reside and provides information on wolf behavior.
For press information:
jytte.reichert@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 18 54 01 37
