There could be as many as 56 packs of wolves in the Netherlands in the near future, local authorities say.
There are currently nine packs of wolves living in the country, which could increase by 23 to 56 percent in the future, according to WUR (Wageningen University and Research).
The study evaluated the types of landscapes that the wolves tend to be selective, with an emphasis on population density and climate. It is estimated that if the animals are significantly selective, they are likely to overtake the Veluwe and southeastern Flevoland.
In another case, wolves are likely to inhabit the entire northeastern United States The Netherlands, including North Brabant.
WUR ecologist Dennis Lammertsma explained that their choice 'depends on all kinds of factors', including the number of children born. By their nature, animals are easily adaptable, hence the difficulty in predicting their future habitats.
Nowadays there are seven packs living on the Veluwe, one in Central Drenthe and one in the border area of Fryslân, Drenthe and Overjissel. In 2018, the first wolf settled in the country. Since then, the number of wolf packs has grown to nine, with an average of five to nine wolves per pack.
While in 2020 the majority of Dutch residents stated that they welcomed the wolf packs, 42 percent of citizens are now concerned about their rapid expansion. The number of attacks on farm animals has increased, as has the approach of animals to humans.
The European Commission is currently investigating whether the wolf's protected status should be reconsidered as the Ministry of Agriculture communicates with local authorities about the associated risks.
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