Since early July there have been sightings of a new wolf roaming in the northern part of the Bosland National Park in Limburg Province. The presence of a new wolf in the area has been reported by rangers that work for the Flemish Nature and Woodland Agency (ANB). They have found pawprints left behind by the wolf and the animal has also been filmed by nature observation cameras set up in the park by the Nature and Forest Research institute (Inbo).
The footage shows that this is not one of the two adult wolves that are known to be living in the north of Limburg Province. They are known to be with their cubs some distance away and they rarely venture into the area where the new wolf has been spotted, Frank Van Swalm of the Flemish Nature and Woodland Agency (ANB) told VRT News. Mr Van Swalm adds that it is too early to talk about the wolf settling in the area.
“There must have been continuous sightings of a wolf in an area for six months before we can say that it has settled there. Until then, we assume that it is roaming around and it will eventually decide to leave, either because it does not find the area suitable or because it is too close to another pack, Mr Van Swalm said”.
DNA analysis
The Flemish Nature and Woodland Agency says that the fact that a new wolf has been spotted in Limburg Province is a positive sign. However, the animal could also cause significant damage, particularly by attacking livestock. The wolf's presence coincides with an incident that occurred in Pelt on 1 August. However, no direct link has yet been established.
Mr Van Swalm "In order to possibly establish a link, we have to wait for the results of DNA analysis and possibly also an analysis of DNA from faecal samples. The advice from the ANB and Inbo remains protect small livestock with wolf-proof fencing."