# Lithuanian livestock predation and wolf management

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lithuanian-livestock-predation-challenges
> Updated: 2026-10-15T10:15:42.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Farmers in Lithuania, particularly in the Telšiai district, continue to face livestock losses due to rising wolf activity. Attacks on sheep, goats, and calves are most frequent during autumn as young wolves begin hunting. Vilma Lukoševičienė, head of the Rural Development Department at the Telšiai District Municipality, noted that incidents have been recorded in the Tryškiai, Žarėnai, and Varniai elderships. Documentation remains difficult because some farmers clear incident sites or dispose of carcasses before municipal commissions can arrive.

To mitigate these risks, the government provides support through the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development. A fund of 1,149,946 euros is available for protective equipment, such as electric fencing, with applications open until November 30.

Regarding population management, Lithuania has set a hunting limit of 318 wolves for the 2025–2026 season, an increase from the previous year's quota of 307. Environmental Minister Ieva Andriulaitytė stated the limit is based on scientific data to maintain safe population boundaries. Research from the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy estimates there are currently 82 to 85 wolf families in Lithuania, a decrease from the minimum of 91 families estimated in 2022–2023.

While livestock damage costs have trended downward—with €144,789 paid out in 2025 compared to €290,570 in 2022—compensation remains a significant factor. Additionally, scientific studies suggest the increase in large predators has contributed to a fourfold decrease in medium-sized predators like foxes and martens.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Lithuania sets 318 wolf hunting limit for 2025–2026 season

Lithuania has set a hunting limit of 318 wolves for the 2025–2026 season, aiming to balance species protection with the management of livestock damage and predator populations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuania-sets-318-wolf-hunting-limit-for-20252026-season

### 2026-10-13: Lithuanian farmers face rising livestock losses from wolves

Lithuanian farmers face rising livestock losses due to increased wolf activity, prompting government calls to utilize over 1.1 million euros in available predator protection subsidies.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-farmers-face-rising-livestock-losses-from-wolves

### 2026-09-25: Lithuania faces mandate to remove invasive fallow deer

Lithuania faces a mandate to eliminate invasive fallow deer populations by July 2025, sparking concerns from breeders. Meanwhile, experts advise adjusting cat diets for decreased autumn activity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuania-faces-mandate-to-remove-invasive-fallow-deer

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Cite as: Lithuanian livestock predation and wolf management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lithuanian-livestock-predation-challenges