New research from the University of Leiden and other institutions reveals that wolves in the Netherlands have a more varied diet than previously thought. The study, conducted in 2023, analyzed 735 wolf droppings to determine their dietary habits.
The analysis showed that wolves primarily consume roe deer, wild boar, and red deer. Interestingly, sheep accounted for a relatively small portion of their diet, despite being frequently mentioned in media reports. Researchers suggest that young, wandering wolves may kill more sheep than they consume, and human disturbance can prevent them from feeding on the carcasses.
Wolves are opportunistic eaters, adapting their diet to available resources. Besides the main prey, they also consume birds, hares, small mammals, carnivores, and fruit. Regional differences in diet were observed, with wild boar being more popular in the Veluwe region during spring and winter. The findings contribute to the ongoing societal discussion about wolves and their impact on the environment.
Future research aims to track individual wolf diets to understand learned behaviors. Staatsbosbeheer, a Dutch organization managing natural areas, is exploring the creation of 'social herds' of large grazers to deter wolf attacks. These herds, with strong family bonds and natural age structures, can better protect themselves against wolves.