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The Remarkable Return of Wolves to Europe and Why Farmers are Furious
Conservationists rejoice whilst sheep farmers hold their shotguns and officials debate how to navigate this socio-economic wilderness issue
The wolf has rebounded in Europe. Their numbers hit massive lows during World War II, and in the ’60s it was estimated that there were fewer than 1,000 individuals left. In 2022, a report showed their numbers rose by as much as 1,800%, with roughly 17,000 wolves in Europe spread across 10 populations.
Post-war strongholds of wolves remained in the ancient woodlands of eastern Europe, and from there, they recolonised much of the Alpine mountain chain and beyond. The resurgence of wolves is a joy for conservationists and a thorn for livestock farmers. In the name of biodiversity, the issue of cohabitation with wolves is tricky.
In Switzerland, sheep farmers recently dumped the carcasses of sheep onto the steps of a government building. A dozen dead sheep brought their frustration to a tipping point. “These were killed last night,” said Eric Herb, a spokesperson for a group advocating for action against wolves.
“We are sick of this,” said Patrick Perroud, a farmer from the area. “We want the wolf killed… Cohabitation is not…
