Dutch authorities report wolf attacks on children and warn parents
Warning issued for popular hiking, cycling, and running national park Utrechtse Heuvelrug
A warning was issued late Wednesday evening for the popular national park Utrechtse Heuvelrug among hikers, cyclists, and runners. The province of Utrecht reported that a "large animal" had run into a child near the small village of Austerlitz, about 16 kilometers east of Utrecht in the morning. It is believed that the animal was a wolf. The child was unharmed.
However, it was reported that ten days ago, a young girl on a school trip was bitten by an animal in the same area. A DNA test has since confirmed that the animal was a wolf. Additionally, a woman reported in early July that her Poodle was killed by a wolf.
Authorities stated that they believe it is the same wolf involved in the previous incidents with the other girl and a dog. Wolf experts have described the animal's behavior as "atypical and concerning."
The provincial government plans to take the necessary steps to allow the wolf to be shot. However, the danger continues to exist, warned authorities, who also provided tips on how to behave if you encounter a wolf: "Don't run away, make yourself big, make movements or noise. Walk backwards slowly."
In 2015, wolves were sighted in the Netherlands for the first time in 150 years. Since then, dozens have been spotted, but they usually live far from settlements and avoid contact with humans.
The animal believed to have run into the child is a wolf. The same wolf is believed to be responsible for the previous incidents involving a girl and a dog.
