France wolf management sparks tension over culling and coexistence

Tensions are rising in France regarding the presence of wolves and their impact on livestock. In the Anjou region, the return of wolves has caused concern among rural communities following reports of predated sheep and calves.

In Haute-Marne, the organization ASPAS has criticized the French state for deploying a specialized mobile intervention brigade from the OFB to cull wolves. This move comes despite reports suggesting that state-funded deterrent fencing has been successful. Data from July 2026 indicated that out of 29 recorded wolf predations in the department, only three occurred on protected plots, often due to pre-existing gaps in the fencing. While local efforts aimed at coexistence through improved protection have shown promise, conservation groups argue that the government's decision to prioritize culling contradicts successful local cohabitation models.