Aggressive wolf in Utrechtse Heuvelrug killed, identity confirmed by DNA

The wolf that was shot dead in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug was the aggressive wolf named GW3237m, this was confirmed by fast DNA testing, according to Utrecht’s nature and agriculture commissioner, Mirjam Sterk. The province had reported a wolf’s death last week, but it was not immediately clear if it was the one known as Bram. Earlier this year, authorities had issued a culling permit for the wolf after it repeatedly attacked and bit humans.

“Regrettably, it had to come to this,” Sterk comments. “At the same time, there is relief, particularly for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, especially with the Christmas season approaching.”

Wolf GW3237m had been involved in multiple serious incidents in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, prompting the province to issue a culling permit earlier this summer. DNA tests confirmed that on May 19, the wolf bit a female hiker twice at the Den Treek estate near Leusden.

Later, at the end of July, Bram bit and dragged a six-year-old child near the Pyramid of Austerlitz. According to De Faunabescherming and Animal Rights, the wolf’s female companion had given birth to cubs in April for the second consecutive year, which may have contributed to the wolf’s defensive behavior.

According to the provincial commissioner, the delay in killing the wolf after the culling permit was issued is understandable. “Since the wolf is a protected species, you must be certain you are targeting the correct animal. On top of that, the wolf was in a heavily visited area, so you can’t simply shoot it there.”

Next week, the deceased wolf will undergo examination at the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre and Wageningen Environmental Research. “Following this, we will consider whether the animal can be used for research or educational purposes.”

Authorities have lifted the advisory to avoid estates and forests between the A12 and A28 following confirmation of the wolf’s death. Land management organizations, local municipalities, and the province of Utrecht made the decision based on expert advice.

Other safety measures in the area remain in place. “Visitors should stay on designated paths, keep dogs leashed, and make sure children are always visible,” Sterk explains. “Extra caution is also recommended for activities like running or horseback riding, since movement speed can provoke wolves.”

Everyone involved believes that peace and normalcy will be restored in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. “Bram was genuinely a problematic wolf, there had been no incidents before him. I anticipate that peace will now be restored,” says Den Treek estate manager Wilbert Nijlant, referring to the troubles the wolf caused over the last two years.

“We recognized early last year that this wolf was problematic due to its unusual behavior. I’ll only feel fully relieved once the wolf situation settles, though I do expect it to. The other wolves in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug have not caused any notable incidents,” he says.

Animal Rights describes the day as “tragic.” The organization had unsuccessfully contested the wolf culling permit in court. “If there’s any bright side, it’s that this populist witch hunt has finally come to an end,” they add.

De Faunabescherming maintains that the wolf’s killing was unnecessary. “However, it is reassuring that no other wolf was mistakenly targeted. This should mark the end of wolf persecution in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug,” the organization states.