The wolf is back in the Netherlands

The wolf is back in the Netherlands after 150 years. A magnificent animal that plays an important role in nature. In 2015, the excitement in the Netherlands was unprecedented when a wolf was spotted for the first time in a long time. The animal became the subject of countless discussions, and although these discussions are still ongoing, the wolf has since become increasingly established in the Netherlands. Slowly, we are starting to get used to the idea that this magnificent predator has returned to its original habitat.

The Veluwe

he wolf has settled in the Veluwe, among other places. That the wolf has chosen the Veluwe as its habitat is a great compliment. The animal finds peace, space and plenty of food in the form of wildlife there. Staatsbosbeheer indicates that the wolf is welcome in the Veluwe and plays a positive role in nature and in the ecosystem.

Restoring natural balance

Wolves play a crucial role in regulating wildlife populations, such as deer and roe deer. By controlling wildlife, wolves prevent overgrazing and help keep vegetation healthy, which in turn benefits other animals and plants. Thus, wolves can indirectly increase biodiversity.

Measures

But the return of the wolf also has a downside. Many farmers have been experiencing nuisance for ages, as wolves bite their animals to death. Therefore, Staatsbosbeer has taken several measures to protect their sheep herd in Hoog Buurlo. Thus, they state: "Since the arrival of the wolf, we have been making every effort to avoid conflicts between the wolf and our sheep herd. We do this first of all by keeping our sheep safely overnight in the stables if we can. If they spend the night on the moors, we deploy special wolf-proof fencing to provide the sheep with a safe shelter. In addition to the fencing, we also deploy three flock protection dogs".

Herd protection dogs

Herd protection dogs have an important role within the flock and are with the sheep day and night. Currently, two dogs live to protect the sheep herd at Hoog Buurlo. They are Carpathian Shepherd Dogs from Romania; Nora and Ravi are their names. Herd protection dogs are a very effective way of keeping wolves at bay. A wolf will not risk getting hurt because it wants to protect its pack, this keeps the wolf at bay.

Visitors

For all visitors, but especially visitors with dogs, it is important to give the herding protection dogs plenty of space at all times. The dogs are at work and cannot be petted. Keep your distance from the herding protection dogs and make sure the pet dog is on a short leash with its owner. If the herding protection dogs bark, walk on and give them more space. Always follow the shepherd's instructions.

Feed from Yarrah

At Yarrah, our commitment goes beyond our beloved pets, we are also very involved with the planet we live on. The arrival of the wolf fulfils a very positive role for nature and the ecosystem, which we certainly embrace. For several years, we have therefore been sponsoring all the feed for the herding dogs and flock protection dogs; Nora and Ravi who live with the sheep herd at Hoog Buurlo. They deserve the very best; organic dog food with only pure ingredients. The dogs make it possible to continue the traditional method of sheep grazing to maintain the moors. In this way, there is a place for everyone in nature; the woods, the moors, the wildlife, the sheep and the wolves.