A primary school Drenthe did not reopen after the weekend on Monday because a possible wolf was seen close to the school grounds.

Basisschool ’t Oelebröd in Ruinen  had already planned a later start because of icy conditions, but decided to keep its doors shut entirely after the animal was spotted on a nearby sports field.

An eyewitness alerted a member of staff earlier in the morning after seeing what was believed to be a wolf near the school, regional daily Dagblad van het Noorden reported. The sighting has not been independently confirmed.

The school contacted police, the province and the mayor of De Wolden, the local authority responsible for Ruinen.  After consultations, the decision was taken to close the school as a precaution.

School board member Bas Guchelaar said the animal had been seen very close to the playground. “We don’t want to take any risks,” he said.