Attacks by wolves on livestock increased last year, an analysis of figures provided by monitoring organisation BIJ12 has shown.

By October 2025, the number of confirmed reports of attacks on sheep and other livestock reached 888, compared with 770 in the whole of 2024. Some 212 reports from November and December are still being investigated.

Over half of the attacks, some 434, took place in Gelderland compared with 403 in 2024. Another 92 reports are still being assessed. For the first time since 2019, there were no reports of attacks in Zeeland.

Farmers have a right to compensation for damage done by wolves. They can also apply for subsidies to buy wolf-proof electric fencing. BIJ12 data shows that almost 90% of livestock owners have not taken preventive measures against the predators, despite the financial help available.

BIJ12 estimates that there are between 104 and 124 wolves in the Netherlands, based on DNA samples and reports of attacks on livestock.

The majority of wolf packs are based in the Veluwe nature reserve, but wolves have also settled in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the border region between Drenthe and Friesland.