Paintballs to be shot at Dutch wolves in bid to make them less tame

Image source, Getty Images

Authorities in the Netherlands say wolves can be shot with paintballs to make them less aggressive.

Wolves could become a serious danger if they become so unafraid of humans.

A video posted on social media shows a wolf walking past a family in a national park.

Rangers will be able to see which ones have been hit by paintballs.

The hope is that wolves will stay at least 30m away from people.

One of the wolves appeared to be looking for people, according to a spokesman for the province.

According to the environmental organisation, park officials feed the wolves because if they become too tame they can be killed.

The owner of the park denies the allegation but has previously stated that wolves don't belong in the Netherlands.

There are 20 adult wolves in the country according to a report.

The announcement from the local government doesn't mean paintballers can go to the park and start shooting at wolves. The measure will be carried out by people who are authorized to do so.