Wolf Attacks Child in Netherlands, Reports Authorities
A wolf attack on a six-year-old child near Utrecht, Netherlands, has raised concerns and prompted safety measures in the area.
On a recent day, a wolf was reported to have attacked a child in a forest, leaving him with severe bite wounds on his armpit, chest, back, and face. Initially, the father of the child thought the attacker was a dog.
The wolf that attacked the child jumped onto a bench and pounced on him, dragging him into the bushes. The child was taken to a clinic for treatment, and it is understood that his injuries are more severe than initially thought.
The estate Den Treek Henschoten, where the attack occurred, advised visitors to exercise caution. The provincial spokesperson issued warnings about wolves in the nature area, advising parents to avoid taking children to the woods and imposing a nighttime entry ban for the woods in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region.
Bram, a wolf known as a "problem wolf" in the area due to previous incidents, is the prime suspect given his history and presence in the region. However, no confirmed identification has been publicly released regarding the boy's attack.
Bram has been involved in several incidents in the past, including biting a woman and a child. DNA tests are currently being conducted to determine if the six-year-old was also attacked by Bram. Results from the DNA tests are expected in about two weeks.
Official permission has been granted to shoot Bram if necessary, and a judge previously dismissed an appeal against the permit. The conspicuous behavior of the problem wolf allowed for the shooting permit to be granted.
It is advised to stay in groups and not stray from the paths during the day. Activities such as jogging, riding, or cycling in the forest can trigger the wolf's predatory drive. The province of Utrecht has also advised visitors to the area to exercise caution.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further updates on the identity of the wolf involved in the attack and the steps being taken to ensure safety in the area.
[1] Source: https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/01/18/wolf-in-utrecht-aan-jongen-meegesprongen-op-bank-en-sloeg-hem-neer-naar-de-grond-15271950-a16410968
- The alarming incident of a wolf attack on a child in Utrecht, initially mistaken for a dog attack, has led to calls for vigilance in the general-news section of sports and crime-and-justice media.
- As the DNA tests on the wolf that attacked a child near Utrecht are still pending, residents are advised to follow natural precautions like staying in groups and sticking to marked paths during daylight hours in the sports section of safety news.
