German states move to set wolf hunting rules amid controversy

The Brandenburg state ministry is drafting a wolf management plan, expected to be adopted in the fourth quarter of 2026. The plan does not set a fixed annual kill quota but may designate regions where wolves can be culled if livestock losses increase. The state hunting association emphasises the need for legally robust measures to protect grazing animals.

Hesse has published a new "reviereübergreifender Wolfsmanagementplan" that permits the culling of up to 40% of juvenile wolves each year and eases removal of problem wolves that damage livestock. Environmental groups such as the BUND and NABU condemn the plan, arguing it threatens the modest wolf population in the state.

In Hamburg, a wolf captured after a reported incident with a woman was released back into the wild with a tracking collar, after authorities concluded the attack was unfounded. Additionally, a dead wolf pup was found near Rosengarten, providing evidence of successful reproduction in a local pack.