Italy faces rising tensions over wolf management and livestock predation

Tensions are rising in Italy regarding the management of the wolf population following increased livestock predation and recent authorized culls. In South Tyrol, the provincial government authorized the killing of a wolf in the Ultimo and Castelbello-Ciardes municipalities after 22 sheep and 4 goats were killed or lost between June and September. This marks the third authorized cull this year in the region.

In response to rising concerns among farmers, the Province of Trento has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss prevention measures and operational strategies for managing large carnivores. While animal protection groups, such as ENPA, have criticized the culls as “bloody and failed” attempts to gain political consensus, experts note that wolf attacks on humans remain extremely rare.

According to data from Ispra, Italy’s wolf population is estimated at approximately 3,500 individuals, having increased by about 150 units, primarily in the Alpine region. The debate is further complicated by a 2025 EU directive that changed the wolf’s status from “highly protected species” to “protected species,” a move that has prompted discussion among experts regarding its practical effectiveness.