German Government Approves Eased Wolf Culling Regulations
The German government on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, backed new legislation that will integrate wolves into hunting law, making it easier to cull 'problem wolves' responsible for livestock depredation. This move aims to manage the growing wolf population while continuing financial support for protective measures for farmers.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that while the return of the wolf is a success for species conservation, its increasing spread has led to conflicts with livestock farming and parts of the population. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider described the new regulations as a 'good compromise' that will allow state officials to 'remove particularly problematic animals' while still protecting the conservation status of wolves.
New Framework for Wolf Management
The approved legislation empowers German regional officials to establish conservation plans that permit regular hunting seasons for wolves in areas with high wolf density and favorable conservation conditions. Specifically, 'problem wolves' that breach protective fences may be shot under the new plan.
The draft law goes beyond existing European Union directives by potentially allowing wolf hunting seasons and culling outside of these seasons. This simplifies the process for farmers to lethally remove wolves causing 'serious damage' to their animals. Previously, farmers often had to prove their livelihood was jeopardized. The new rules allow for shooting members of a wolf pack until livestock attacks cease, even if the specific individual responsible is not identified.
Context of Rising Wolf Populations and Livestock Losses
The decision comes as Germany's wolf population has significantly rebounded. There are currently 209 known wolf packs in Germany, each consisting of approximately five to ten animals. Wolves are particularly concentrated in the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Lower Saxony.
This resurgence has led to a sharp increase in livestock attacks. In 2024, approximately 4,300 farm animals, predominantly sheep and goats, were killed by wolves, despite farmers' efforts to implement protective measures like fences and dogs. The European Union earlier this year downgraded the wolf's protected status, acknowledging stabilizing wolf populations across Europe. Germany officially reported to the EU in mid-October 2025 that the wolf has a 'favorable conservation status' across large parts of its territory, a classification that increases the scope for culling.
Balancing Protection and Agricultural Concerns
Despite the eased culling regulations, the German government maintains its commitment to supporting protective measures for livestock. Farmers are often required to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps, such as installing wolf-proof fencing or employing livestock guardian dogs, to qualify for government compensation in the event of an attack.
However, the policy shift has drawn criticism from environmental organizations. Groups like the WWF and Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) advocate for a continued focus on preventive measures and express concern that weakening protection could undermine decades of conservation efforts. They argue that comprehensive, financially and organizationally sound livestock protection remains crucial for the coexistence of wolves and grazing animals.
9 Comments
Raphael
A necessary compromise. Wolves need managing like any other species.
BuggaBoom
It's about time they prioritized livelihoods over an unchecked wolf population. Good move!
Eugene Alta
This is a tragic step backward for conservation. Wolves deserve protection!
anubis
While I understand the need to protect livestock and farmers' livelihoods, easing culling regulations feels like a slippery slope. We must ensure this doesn't undermine decades of conservation efforts for the wolf population.
eliphas
Farmers are definitely facing real economic pressure from wolf attacks, which needs addressing. But environmental groups raise valid points about the potential for these new rules to be exploited, weakening the overall conservation status of wolves in Germany.
anubis
Short-sighted policy driven by fear, not science. Shame on Germany!
paracelsus
Finding a balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural needs is incredibly difficult, and this decision reflects that tension. I hope the implementation prioritizes scientific assessment for each culling decision rather than blanket hunting seasons.
anubis
The increasing wolf population clearly presents challenges for agriculture, but relying heavily on culling might be a short-term fix. A more robust investment in wolf-proof infrastructure and guardian animals could offer a sustainable long-term solution.
paracelsus
It's true that some wolves become problematic, and targeted removal can be justified in specific cases. However, the risk of over-culling healthy packs under these broader rules is concerning, potentially disrupting ecological balance.