Investigations ongoing after new suspected wolf attack on child in Den Treek

Another biting incident, possibly involving a wolf, has occurred again in the Utrecht forests. A spokesperson for the province confirmed a report about this from RTV Utrecht. The province wants to have the collected DNA urgently analyzed to quickly determine whether it is indeed a wolf.

“We received a report of a biting incident possibly involving a wolf in the forests near Austerlitz,” said the spokesperson. The Regional Implementation Service (RUD) is investigating the tracks, and the police are taking statements from witnesses.

According to the managers of the Den Treek estate near Austerlitz, a child was bitten by a wolf and dragged into the woods while playing on Wednesday morning. Adults present reportedly chased the animal away by hitting it with a stick.

The estate suspects it is the same "problem wolf" that Utrecht plans to shoot. The managers strongly urge visitors not to enter the area with children or dogs as long as the wolf in question is still alive.

In May, a female hiker at Den Treek was bitten twice on her leg by a wolf. The province decided that this wolf must be shot because it poses a danger to people. This wolf was also involved in incidents last year in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. For example, near Austerlitz, the wolf knocked over a girl, causing injuries to her back.

DNA testing confirmed that it was the same wolf known as Bram. The Fauna Protection and Animal Rights organizations asked the court to suspend the permit, but that request was rejected last week.

Wolf Bram has not been killed yet, according to the province. "It must be done very carefully." Like last year, the wolf has cubs and, according to animal organizations, is showing protective behavior. They believe the animal, which has protected status, should therefore not be shot.

Earlier this year, the province of Utrecht issued guidelines for visitors to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Among other things, it is advised to keep dogs on a short leash, not to let children under 10 enter the forest alone, and to always stay on the paths.