Overview
- The Province of Utrecht says a wolf was shot on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, and a rapid DNA test will determine if it is designated problem animal GW3237m.
- Utrecht’s shooting authorization for GW3237m, issued in July after human safety incidents, remains in force until 1 January and public advisories to avoid the area and leash dogs still apply.
- In Gelderland, officials extended permission to kill Hoge Veluwe wolf GW4655m until 1 July 2026 and expanded the authorized area to include Vliegbasis Deelen, citing persistent non‑fearful behavior.
- Hunters have struggled since May to locate and correctly identify the Hoge Veluwe wolf, and animal‑rights groups condemn the Utrecht shooting and plan fresh legal challenges to the extended permits.
- Separately, a dead wolf found near Voorthuizen is undergoing post‑mortem and DNA analysis to see if it is the animal linked to multiple sheep attacks, with results expected by mid‑March.