#wolf cubs

At least 45 wolf cubs were born in the Netherlands this spring. Cubs were spotted on camera footage in Friesland, Drenthe, Gelderland, and Utrecht, according to the progress report from BIJ12, the provincial implementation organization that monitors the wolf population. According to BIJ12, the rising number of wolves is making it increasingly difficult to determine exactly how many wolves live in the Netherlands. A previous estimate was between 104 and 124. Given the number of cubs born, this number appears to be approaching 150. BIJ12 confirms that there is an increase but declines to comment on the numbers. According to researchers at Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands has room for at least 23 packs. At least 13 wolf packs have now established themselves in the Netherlands. The previous progress report mentioned 11 packs. Two new wolf habitats have emerged in Drenthe, in the central and southern parts of the province. Drenthe already housed two packs, one of which is located in the border region with Friesland. Most packs are located in Gelderland, on or around the Veluwe National Park. A wolf family also lives on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

To see a wolf pup is to remember something primal within ourselves—the part that longs to belong, to run free, to protect what we love.

These little souls are not just the heart of the forest… they are the heartbeat of something ancient, untamed, and deeply true.

Young wolves.

꩜ horror!sans stimboard with wolf pups, red/black and muted blue for @zadsterr! art credit