In Pescasseroli, Italy, the recovery of wolf populations contrasts with recent legislative actions that may undermine these efforts. Following the predation of a pet mare in Germany by a wolf, divergent responses from owners reflect the contentious debate over wolf management. The European Union has invested significantly in wolf conservation, yet a recent vote to reduce their protected status has sparked concerns from environmental organizations. The World Wide Fund for Nature has criticized this shift, warning it could threaten the future stability of wolf populations in Europe and jeopardize conservation success.
On Sept. 1, 2022, under an almost-full moon, a male wolf slipped into a paddock in the hamlet of Burgdorf-Beinhorn in Germany, following the scent of Dolly, a sweet chestnut mare. This act of predation highlights the complex relationship between humans and wolves, especially as wolf populations recover across Europe after years of persecution.
The European Union has invested millions to restore wolf populations that had been hunted and poisoned to near extinction. However, recent legislative changes threaten this progress.
In May, the European Parliament voted to downgrade the protected status of wolves, a move opposed by environmental groups such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, who argued it could reverse decades of conservation efforts.
The reactions of two pet owners to the killings of their beloved animals—one advocating for less wolf protection and the other for coexistence—reflect the ongoing conflict over wolf policy in Europe.
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