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In a holiday area, a wolf is causing the authorities a headache. It has attacked several children – a special warning goes out to parents.
Utrecht – The Dutch authorities have issued an urgent warning for the Utrecht Ridge Hills forest area following several suspected wolf attacks on children. The Utrecht Ridge Hills is a densely wooded area that is very popular with hikers, cyclists and runners. Parents of small children in particular should refrain from visiting. Previous incidents had been reported in which one child was bitten and another was knocked over by a wolf.
“Big animal” knocks over child in holiday area in the Netherlands – girl had previously been bitten by wolf
The worrying incidents occurred near the village of Austerlitz, about 16 kilometers east of Utrecht. A young girl was bitten during a school trip. DNA tests later confirmed that the attacker was a wolf. On Wednesday morning (July 31), another child was knocked over by a “large animal,” presumably a wolf – but was unharmed, authorities said.
A wolf has apparently attacked several children in the Netherlands. © Sina Schuldt/dpa
In addition, a woman reported in early July that her poodle had been killed by a wolf. The authorities “seriously believe that this is the same wolf that was already involved in the incidents with the other girl and a dog.” In a statement on Wednesday (July 31), the province of Utrecht called on “all visitors to be extremely cautious when visiting the Utrecht Ridge Hills area.” It added: “It is strongly advised not to visit these forests with small children.”
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Experts warn: Wolf in the Netherlands shows “atypical and worrying behavior”
According to experts, the wolf is displaying “atypical and disturbing behavior.” Such attacks are not normally characteristic of wolves, although encounters with humans are not uncommon. The Federal Environment Ministry explains on its website: “Wolves are naturally cautious around humans and avoid direct encounters. Wolves usually avoid humans before they even notice them.” This circumstance makes the situation in the Netherlands particularly alarming.
The Federal Environment Ministry recommends the following behavior in the event of an encounter with a wolf:
Basically, you should remain calm and keep your distance when you encounter one. If the wolf does not retreat and you are not comfortable with the situation, speak loudly or clap your hands to make yourself known. Do not run away, as this could trigger the animal to chase you. If the wolf approaches you unexpectedly, stop and make yourself big, try to intimidate it. In such a case, you should take a step towards the animal rather than backing away. (Those: bmuv.de)
