Wolf cubs on way as Belgium becomes 'wolf crossroads of Europe'

[Judi Lynn]

She-wolf in country’s north is pregnant, and newcomers from France or Italy spotted in south

Jennifer Rankin in Brussels
Mon 27 Apr 2020 09.35 EDT

Belgium is becoming “the wolf crossroads of Europe”, a conservation charity has said as it reported new sightings from France and Germany, while Flemish authorities separately announced the imminent arrival of wolf puppies.

Flanders’ environment minister, Zuhal Demir, announced that a pair of wolves in the north of the country were expecting cubs, four months after arrival in the area of a female wolf, Noëlla, who was billed as “a potential new love” for a previously lone wolf, August.

“I am proud to announce that she-wolf Noëlla and wolf August are expecting wolf cubs,” Demir wrote on Monday on her Facebook page, predicting there would not be long to wait. Wolves usually give birth in late April or early May.

The minister vowed that the Limburg province where the wolves have made their territory would be strictly guarded to prevent Noëlla from succumbing to the same fate as Naya, the likely former mate of August, who officials believe was killed by hunters. Naya’s cubs also died, presumed to have been shot by hunters or to have starved.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/wolf-cubs-on-way-as-belgium-becomes-wolf-crossroads-of-europe