Dutch government authorises shooting wolves with paintballs
Dutch authorities have granted permission for wolves to be shot with paintball guns, in a bid to make them afraid of humans.
The provincial government of Gelderland has given approval for the scheme, after concerns young wolves were getting too close to people.
"We are dealing with a wolf that is too tame. So we have to deter him from people," a spokesperson said.
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There are 20 adult wolves in the Netherlands, but that number is growing. iStock
By using paintballs, National Park authorities can tell if a wolf has been previously hit.
The option is also less dangerous than alternatives like rubber bullets.
But the paintball gun is only to be used in emergency situations, the government said.
There are only 20 adult wolves in the entire country, but the existence of the wild dogs there is controversial in itself.
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Shooting wolves with paintballs will make them afraid of humans, but won't cause them long-term harm, experts believe. Nine Archives
Animal welfare groups have accused park authorities of feeding the wolves so they lose their fear of humans.
The activists argue this will then be used as a pretence to kill the wolves.
The park has denied the accusations.
Wolves typically hunt wild deer and boar, but also target sheep and goats.
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