741 livestock attacked by wolves in 2025, Gelderland most affected

This year, wolf attacks on Dutch livestock have surged to nearly match the total for all of 2024. Through the first nine months of 2025, 714 attacks on sheep and other animals were confirmed, compared with 770 attacks last year.

Early October data, though incomplete, show at least 27 more attacks in the first week alone, bringing the confirmed total for 2025 to 741, according to ANP analysis of BIJ12 figures, the organization that manages wolf-related matters for the provinces.

An additional 165 reports of suspected wolf damage between July and mid-November remain under investigation, suggesting 2025 could surpass last year’s record.

Preventive measures were largely absent: 86 percent of all attacks occurred on farms where owners had not implemented sufficient protections against wolves, according to BIJ12.

The province of Gelderland experienced the highest number of attacks this year, with 346 confirmed incidents, including 103 in Barneveld alone.

Drenthe and Friesland both reported approximately 120 attacks, while Groningen saw 26 attacks, a sharp rise from just two in 2024. In contrast, attacks in Noord-Brabant have decreased in recent years.

The actual number of attacks may be higher. Farmers are not required to report wolf incidents to BIJ12, and only attacks confirmed to have been caused by wolves are included in the statistics.

Barneveld Mayor Jacco van der Tak expressed deep concern over the rising numbers. "This must change. The impact on the Barneveld community is significant. Like our residents and livestock farmers, I am very worried," he said.

Van der Tak called for both preventive measures and active management of the wolf population. "Europe allows for a reduction in the wolf’s protected status. The pace at which steps are being taken in the Netherlands to manage the population is too slow when you see the situation on the ground."