Farmers protest wolf population growth and livestock risks

Farmers from Bavaria, Austria, and South Tyrol have held demonstrations in Munich to demand better protection for livestock against the increasing wolf population. Protesters, including members of the Bavarian Farmers' Association, argue that the strict legal protection of wolves is threatening traditional Alpine grazing practices.

Critics highlight that current mitigation measures, such as electric fences, specialized housing, and livestock guardian dogs, are often insufficient or difficult to maintain in rugged terrain. There are concerns that the expansion of protected habitats under EU strategies may further accelerate wolf spread, potentially leading to the abandonment of open pasture farming in certain Alpine regions.