Dutch authorities have closed part of a vast nature park in central Netherlands after a young girl was bitten by a wolf, they said on Thursday. The girl was bitten on the thigh on Tuesday while on a walk organised by her nursery, according to her parents. She suffered "slight injuries" but was mostly "shocked" although "doing well", the nursery management said on Wednesday in a statement. The Den Treek area was closed "as a precaution", local authorities in Leusden said in a statement, pointing to "several incidents with a wolf". Police have not confirmed the bite but are taking the case "very seriously", a spokesperson for the Utrecht region told media. The number of wolves in Europe -- virtually exterminated a century ago -- has grown markedly in recent years due to conservation efforts.

But the predator's population growth has triggered howls of protest from farmers. In 2023, there were breeding packs of grey wolves in 23 countries of the European Union, with a total population estimated at around 20,300 animals, bringing the elusive creatures into more frequent contact with humans. Last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lost her beloved pony Dolly to a wolf. Brussels's top official now wants to reduce protections afforded to wolves. In late 2022, the Dutch province of Guelders authorised police to use paintball guns against a wolf that had approached some ramblers in a national park. That sparked indignation from animal protection groups.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan