Belgium not ready for wolf’s return

France and Germany and, more recently, the Netherlands have a so-called “wolf plan” in place. Belgium’s neighbours are prepared for the return of the wolf, a comeback that has been slowly taking place over that past 50 years, since the European Union and Western European nations began stepping up their efforts to protect the endangered species.

A wolf was spotted last year on the Dutch border with Germany. And although there is not yet any tangible evidence of the return of the wolf to the Netherlands, the country has a plan ready just in case. State Secretary for Economic Affairs Sharon Dijksma recently introduced the wolf plan, which will make it possible for farmers to be compensated for any animals that may fall prey to a hungry wolf.

Belgium does not yet have such a plan in place. The wolf disappeared from Belgium at the end of the 19th century. There is evidence that it will return in the near future, as packs of wolves make their way west from Eastern Europe and Germany, covering huge distances in search of new territory or partners.