Forest rangers in Drenthe and Friesland are planning to use klaxons and firecrackers to scare off a wolf that has become too accustomed to humans.

The young wolf has been seen approaching people in a nature reserve that spans the two provinces. Rangers believe the animal may have lost its fear of humans after being offered food.

It is not the first time nature wardens have resorted to unusual measures to deter wolves. In January Gelderland province won the latest stage of a long-running legal battle to be allowed to use paintball pellets to stop the animals getting too close to humans.

Nature conservation Faunaberscherming, which brought the case, has threatened further legal action if Gelderland province allows rangers to use paintball guns against wolves, arguing it would breach European Union rules.

Shepherds in the Veluwe region have been given gas horns to use against wolves, but it is unclear if the devices have had any effect.