Hassel (Brussels Morning) – Wolves return to Limburg province Hasselt and Zonhoven. Zonhoven helps affected sheep. Hasselt deals with occasional wolf visits. Debate on wolf management and nature’s balance persists.
Herkenrode in Kermt, a farmer named Pieter Coopmans found nine sheep dead in his meadow. Then a few days later in Termolen, more sheep were tragically attacked to death. The farmer thought it was the work of dogs but wolf experts weren’t so sure. Jan Loos from Welcome Wolf mentioned a wolf might have been roaming around Hasselt and Zonhoven but he couldn’t prove it yet.
Roamer of Hasselt and Zonhoven
The DNA samples showed that it was indeed a wolf that killed the sheep in both places. Joachim Mergeay, a wolf expert confirmed it. They’re not sure where this wolf came from it could be from a nearby pack or just a lone wanderer. Sightings of a wolf were reported in different places around that time. The wolf crossed the Albert Canal between Herkenrode and Zonhoven but then vanished without a trace.
What are the Different Concerns about Wolves in Hasselt and Zonhoven
In Zonhoven they’re still on high alert for wolf trouble not in Hasselt. Only the local areas can ask for help to protect against wolves. They’ll pay for any sheep harmed by wolves. If there are lots of wandering wolves in an area it’s considered risky. That’s what happened in Noorderkempen before Emma arrived. But in Hasselt it’s just occasional wanderers not a big concern.
People in Hasselt and Zonhoven are quite worried about it. In Zonhoven they’re super alert about wolves and locals can ask for help and get compensated for sheep harmed by them. But in Hasselt it’s more about occasional visitors not a big deal. The return of wolves has caused quite a stir with some calling for drastic actions and others pushing for peaceful coexistence with these predators. Wolves are legally protected under the Bern Convention and EU laws so no capturing or killing them on purpose. But there are debates on how to manage wolf populations with some saying they should have less protection.
