Female wolf Emma, a cub from the Limburg pack born in 2022, has been joined by a male wolf in her usual territory in the Noorderkempen area of Antwerp, reported the Flemish Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO).
Emma, also known as female wolf GW3449f, has previously seen male wolves passing through her territory, but none of them stayed, according to the INBO.
Now, however, that does appear to be the case: recent camera footage shows Emma and the new wolf marking their territory together with droppings. "This only occurs in wolves that live in pairs," said the INBO.
Related News
- Why so many Brussels residents are moving to the Flemish periphery
- How Brussels ended up with Europe's most embarrassing square – and what might be done to save it
Emma’s territory and that of her presumed mate covers the extensive region between Kalmthout and Brecht, extending across the Dutch border. The INBO strongly advises livestock farmers, both private and commercial, to install a wolf-proof fence if they have not already done so – even more so if a new pack is indeed formed.
"They can apply for financial support from the government for this," the organisation added.
The male wolf has not yet been identified. It is therefore not yet clear which pack he comes from or from where he entered Emma's territory.
