Sheep on the Ermelosche Heide in Ermelo have reportedly been guarded since the summer by two Italian mountain dogs intended to deter wolves. The herd was already kept behind wolf-proof fencing with electric wire, but the foundation Drift Ermelo brought in the dogs to protect the animals when people were away, amid increasing concern about wolves near the flock. The dogs are Maremma and Abruzzo mountain dogs, a breed used for centuries to protect livestock. They are expected to respond to danger by making themselves appear larger and barking; they are not intended to fight wolves.