The “wolf plan’’ of Flemish minister for environment Joke Schauvliege (CD&V) aims to teach residents how to cohabit with wolves. The places where the wolves live must be protected, especially by reducing the road traffic intensity, according to a text approved last week by several farmer and hunter associations
There are currently three wolves in Belgium: two in Flanders, and one in Wallonia. Considering the probable arrival of more wolves, the Flemish Region decided to adopt a plan. In particular, it provides for measures to protect sheep from the predators, by the setting up of electric fences.
No measure, however, is 100% efficient, underlines the plan. “Wolves are inventive and intelligent animals; they adjust their hunting behavior in function of the prevention.’’ The people undergoing losses have the right to compensation, but only if they have first taken preventive measures.
The Flemish Region and municipalities will continue to inform the population on cohabitation with wolves during the months and years to come. The wolf is a protected species. It is therefore illegal to kill one intentionally.
The Brussels Times
