Gelderland grants permit for the use of paintball guns against wolf

The province of Gelderland granted a permit on Friday for the use of a paintball gun against a wolf on the Noord-Veluwe. The province reported that the goal is to teach the wolf that it should not approach people. A wolf that is no longer scared and has been approaching people has been seen popping up around Ermelo.

The permit is meant for "a few professionals who have a connection with the area and can be on location quickly," Gelderland reported. The province stated that it is essential that the wolf learns through a "pain stimulus" that people can be a threat.

A spokesperson for the province explained that a paintball gun can be used if the wolf is actively approaching or staying in close proximity to people. The permit is for the wolf pack's territory at the Noord-Veluwe to which the wolf with deviant behavior belongs.

It also applies to the municipalities of Ermelo, Putten, Harderwijk, Nunspeet, Elburg, Oldebroek, Heerde, Epe, Apeldoorn, and Barneveld. The permit is valid for 18 months.

Gelderland has recently developed its own wolf policy. The province states that insolent wolves can be chased away using a paintball gun.

Wolves that have attacked well-protected livestock can also be shot at under certain conditions. Whether the new policy will hold up if it is challenged in court remains to be seen.