Germany’s wolf surge sparks new hunting laws amid farmer-livestock conflicts

A pregnant ewe torn apart. A wolf named Gloria on the prowl. Now, Germany’s farmers may finally get relief—but at what cost to conservation? The debate rages as attacks surge and laws shift.

, and Administrator

2025 December 19 . 4:42 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see a wolf in the foreground, trees and plants in the background of the image.... — In this image I can see a wolf in the foreground, trees and plants in the background of the image. In the right bottom corner I can see some text.

Germany’s wolf surge sparks new hunting laws amid farmer-livestock conflicts

Germany’s wolf population has grown to 209 packs, mainly concentrated in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Saxony. The federal cabinet has now classified wolves under hunting law, making it easier to cull those that threaten farmers insurance livestock. The move follows rising tensions between farmers and conservationists over wolf attacks.

Last year, wolves killed over 4,300 livestock animals across Germany, despite protective measures like fences and guardian dogs. One such case involved Gloria, a wolf from North Rhine-Westphalia, who attacked sheep in Hünxe. Erich Specht, a local breeder, lost two animals—including a pregnant ewe—even though his fencing met protection standards. Gloria later struck again, injuring another sheep by tearing open its abdomen, though she did not bite its throat, an unusual pattern for wolf attacks.

The decision to classify wolves under hunting law marks a shift in Germany’s approach to managing its growing wolf population. Farmers may now find it easier to protect their livestock, while conservationists stress the need for careful monitoring. The outcome will depend on how the new rules are applied and whether they reduce conflicts between wildlife and agriculture.