Another wolf was killed in a collision with a car on the North-South junction in the Limburg province on Wednesday morning. Three other wolves were previously killed on that same road.
The fourth wolf, likely another cub of Belgian wolf pair Noëlla and August, died after a collision with a car on the N715 road, at a site where a wildlife crossing is planned. In the short term, however, the location – which is known as a crossing point for animals – is difficult to secure, according to the 'Welcome Wolf' organisation, as it would block the wolves' walking route.
"Over the past six months, we have been in regular contact with the Roads and Traffic Agency. We handed them a list of high-risk places for accidents, and this site is the main spot. Only permanent monitoring and reduced speed can take care of this in the short term," said Jan Loos of Welcome Wolf.
He stressed that while this measure would not cost a single euro, the Flemish authorities have not yet implemented it despite repeated requests.
In addition to the wolves, several boars, deer, foxes and other wildlife have already been killed on that road.
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The organisation does acknowledge that some steps have already been taken on the N715 road and that, in time, a wildlife crossing will be built to prevent animals from still getting onto the road. The main section will be constructed in 2024.
Belgium is not the only country dealing with wolves killed or injured in traffic; neighbouring countries France, the Netherlands and Germany also have frequent roadkill incidents.
In recent decades, Western Europe has seen a spontaneous growth in wolf populations, a wildlife trend that reached Belgium around five years ago.
