After centuries of persecution Europeans are watching as European wolves rebound from near-extinction. According to IFLscience the resurgence is remarkable. Wolf populations are up a staggering 58 percent during the last 10 years. As European wolves rebound, the troubled nature of our relationship with them is exposed.
Although the resurgence has not been without opposition, it has been dramatic. The resurgence is notable in most of the region, but several countries stand out.
Italy has recorded dramatic increases in wolf population. But not without serious problems. Feral hogs have increased in numbers also. It has been hoped that wolves would eat them. But brazen wolves have caused problems of their own.
Recently, Italy was celebrating the return of wolves, thought now to number over 1,000. It was even hoped they could put a dent in the population of feral hogs. Hogs wander the streets of several Italian cities. It has been hoped urban Italian wolves would eat enough pork to make a difference and stay in the woods.
But wandering wolves began to stray into the city of Siena The mayor wrote to the Italian government asking to aid. She said wolves were eating pdets and livestock an threatening people as they wandered through the city.
The conflict illustrates the perils f conservation policy. Create conditions conducive to feral hogs and reap the problems associated with wandering pigs. Reduce persecution of wolves and reap the problems associated with urbanizing wolves.
So far most of the European region appears to be accepting of the return of wolves, but serious issues remain. But as European wolves rebound, the destruction they cause is also rebounding
French authorities estimate that that nation’s wolves kill and estimated 15,000 head of livestock annually. Today, there are an estimated 538 wolves in France. Having entered from the Italian region they have been steadily moving into other parts of the country. It is estimated their numbers are growing between 10 and 20 percent per year.
That growth rate is not without cost as the French authorities estimate the wolves kill 15,000 head of livestock annually. The French wolves kill sheep, cattle, goats and horses. That equates to 9 head per wolf annually. The number appears to be rising.
Wolves were exterminated in France prior to World War Two. They began returning as migrants from Italy around the year 2000. Wolves tend to disperse effectively as has been seen in the United States. Wolves were recently reintroduced to Colorado and quickly began dispersing. Depradation by wolves has resulted in wolf killing in a number of states where they are now found. Oregon and California have both seen cases of wof killing. At the moment European law tends to protect the canines but anti-wolf sentiment remains as poisoners have done their work in Italy.