(EUN) WOLVES - A REBOUND PROBLEM

Wolves have made an impressive comeback in Europe in recent decades, but their presence has angered some farmers and led to a hostile backlash. This week, the European Commission will make a decision about whether to weaken the legal protection of the European grey wolf.

If it goes ahead, it would mean a step further towards legalising the routine culling or hunting of the animals. Farmers broadly back the proposal, as does President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, whose own pony Dolly was killed by a wolf in 2022.

However, nature and conservation groups have denounced the lack of scientific evidence to support the proposal.

"The EU proposal to downgrade grey wolf protection across Europe has been based on a non-peer-reviewed single report, contracted out by the European Commission and lacks verified independent data," environmental association Green Impact said in a statement.

Hundreds of scientists and academics are currently signing two scientific statements on wolf conservation and the role of wolves in ecosystem recovery, the group said.

So why has the matter become so controversial and will humans ever be able to peacefully coexist with wolves in Europe?

Rebound of grey wolf in Europe raises concerns

Usually, the return of a famous creature once driven to the brink of extinction would be a universal cause for celebration - particularly when it comes about, in part, through a conservation campaign backed by EU policy.

But this has not been the case for the return of the wolf in Europe.

It has become a polarising topic across the continent. Conservationists hail their impact on the environment and the ecological benefits. Farmers, however, are worried for their livestock in areas that haven’t had wolves in them for decades. More of this article (Euro News Green) - link - more like this (campaigners) - link - more like this (conservation) - link