Lithuania sets 318 wolf hunting limit for 2025–2026 season

Lithuania has set a hunting limit of 318 wolves for the 2025–2026 season, a slight increase from the 307 wolves permitted last year. The hunting season runs from October 15 to March 31, though it may end earlier if the quota is met.

Environmental Minister Ieva Andriulaitytė stated that the limit was determined based on scientific data to ensure the species remains within safe population boundaries. Research conducted by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, utilizing winter track counts and year-round sightings, estimates that there are at least 82 to 85 wolf families currently living in Lithuania. This is a decrease from the minimum of 91 families estimated in the 2022–2023 period.

While damage to livestock caused by wolves has been decreasing, compensation costs remain significant. In 2025, €144,789 was paid out for damages, compared to €224,000 in 2024 and €290,570 in 2022. Scientific studies also suggest that the increase in large predators like wolves has led to a fourfold decrease in medium-sized predators such as foxes and martens.