Wolves' return to Europe sparks conservation debate, cattle attacks
Date
7/24/2024 5:49:18 AM
(MENAFN) The resurgence of wolves in Europe, a continent where these animals were nearly eradicated over a century ago, has stirred a range of reactions. By 2023, wolves had reappeared in 23 EU countries, with their population estimated at 20,300. According to the European Commission, there is a general increase in the wolf population across the EU. However, this growth has not been without controversy, particularly due to incidents of wolves attacking livestock, which have fueled debates between advocates and opponents of wolf protection.
In the fall of 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who experienced the loss of her horse, Bonnie, to a wolf in Germany, called for a reduction in the protection level for grey wolves. Currently, these wolves are classified as “strictly protected.” Nicolas Lescureau, a researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research in Montpellier specializing in human-animal relations, highlights the deep-rooted connection between humans and wolves, noting that domestic dogs are descendants of ancient wolf packs. Lescureau points out that wolves have long fascinated human societies, with various myths, such as the Scandinavian legend of the wolf Fenrir, reflecting their significant cultural impact.
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