Protecting grazing livestock from wolves in autumn and winter
Wolves' hunting behaviour changes during autumn and winter. As they prepare for the colder months in autumn, finding sufficient food becomes more challenging during winter. This means that sheep and other grazing livestock may also become potential prey. A reliable wolf-resistant fence is therefore essential. To help livestock farmers protect their animals, KOLTEC has developed a specially designed wolf netting system in collaboration with FaunaFence.
Why protection is particularly important in autumn and winter
By autumn, young wolves are old enough to actively participate in hunting alongside the pack. During this period, wolves need more food to build up fat reserves for winter. As temperatures drop, finding food becomes more difficult, and wolves may travel greater distances in search of prey.
Grazing livestock without adequate protection can be particularly vulnerable. A properly functioning wolf-resistant electric fence helps reduce the risk of attacks. Choosing the right fencing system is important, but correct installation and regular inspections are equally essential.
KOLTEC and FaunaFence jointly develop wolf-resistant netting
To provide better protection for grazing livestock, KOLTEC has developed a specially designed wolf-resistant netting system together with Henry Hoiting from FaunaFence. Henry is a sheep farmer himself and previously lost several sheep to wolf attacks. These experiences led him to study wolf behaviour and look for a more effective way to protect his animals.
His knowledge and practical experience formed the foundation for a new type of fencing. Working together with KOLTEC, this concept was further developed into a practical wolf-resistant netting system designed with both protection and ease of use in mind.
Lightweight wolf-resistant netting with innovative features
The KOLTEC FaunaFence wolf netting system offers several advantages over traditional wolf-resistant fencing. Its lightweight design makes it easier to install and relocate, which is particularly useful for sheep farmers who regularly move their animals between grazing areas. The netting also features highly conductive wires with extremely low electrical resistance. This helps maintain a high voltage even along longer fence lines, provided the system is correctly connected and maintained. Wolves are more sensitive to higher voltages than lower ones, encouraging them to keep a greater distance from the netting.
The black colour is another deliberate design choice. It makes it more difficult for wolves to accurately judge the height of the fence, making them less likely to attempt to jump over it. The netting itself measures 122 cm in height. The design therefore takes into account not only electrical performance, but also wolf behaviour.
Positive results from field trials
The FaunaFence system was tested over a period of eighteen months at several locations in the Drents-Friese Wold and Fochteloërveen nature reserves in the Netherlands. During these trials, sheep flocks were protected on grazing areas ranging from five to twelve hectares.
According to FaunaFence, no wolf attacks have occurred at these test locations since the new fencing systems were installed. These encouraging field results demonstrate the system's potential to help protect grazing livestock.
However, wolf-resistant netting is just one part of a broader approach to livestock protection. Proper installation, sufficient fence voltage and regular maintenance remain essential to ensure the fence continues to function effectively.
Prepare your fencing for winter
Autumn and winter are particularly important times to inspect your fencing regularly. Check for vegetation coming into contact with the conductive wires, damage to the netting and adequate electrical voltage throughout the fence. Connections and earthing should also be checked, especially as weather conditions change.
With the KOLTEC FaunaFence wolf netting system, we offer livestock farmers a practical solution to help protect their animals. A solution built on real-world experience and KOLTEC's technical expertise in electric fencing.
Want to learn more about the KOLTEC FaunaFence wolf netting system? Explore the product in our webshop or contact us to find out more about the available options.