For a long time, specifically since 1850, wolves were considered extinct in Germany. Occasionally, a wolf would wander into eastern Germany from Poland or the Czech Republic. However, the population has now grown so significantly that sheep farmers and livestock owners are increasingly calling for the animals to be culled. The demands of agricultural stakeholders and animal welfare organizations differ widely.
First Sighting in the Late 1990s
The return of wolves, which are here to stay, is dated back to 1998. At that time, a wolf pair settled on a former military training ground in Saxony. In 2000, the first wolf pups were sighted. By 2006, what livestock breeders now view as a “wolf plague” began. Our map shows that while there has been a significant population increase in a belt stretching from North Rhine-Westphalia to eastern Germany, wolves had become native to every federal state by 2024.
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) classified the 1,601 recorded wolves in Germany in 2024 as follows:
- 209 wolf packs
- 46 pairs
- 19 lone wolves
(Source: Tagesschau)
No Agreement Amidst Growing Population
It became clear with the first attacks on grazing animals that a conflict between livestock owners and conservationists was inevitable. In 2023, the German Farmers’ Association presented its final damage statistics for losses caused by wolves. The number of missing, injured, or killed livestock rose from 3,374 animals in 2021 to 4,366 animals in 2022 (Source: German Farmers’ Association). The primary victims are sheep and goats, as horses and cattle are less likely to be targeted due to their size.
Farmers Demand Government Support
Sheep farmers complain about two main issues: insufficient wolf culling and lack of government financial assistance for the rising costs of herd protection. These include higher and more robust grazing fences, which are significantly more expensive, as well as guard dogs with different qualities than breeds like Australian Shepherds.
Conservationists Welcome Natural Regulation of Wildlife Populations
Wolves primarily feed on roe deer, wild boar, and red deer. An adult wolf requires about three kilograms of meat per day. Since it is easier to hunt old, sick, or weak animals, these are their primary food sources. Conservationists see this as an important natural regulation of wildlife populations, ensuring that only healthy and strong animals reproduce. This natural regulation also protects forest flora, as oversized deer or red deer herds can cause excessive damage to vegetation.
It is repeatedly emphasized that wolves pose no danger to humans; on the contrary, they tend to avoid them.
Wolves Without Natural Predators
In Germany, wolves have no natural predators. In 2023, 193 wolves died in Germany:
- 150 were killed in traffic accidents
- 11 died from natural causes
- 13 were illegally killed
- 5 were culled under controlled measures
For 14 wolves, the cause of death could not be determined or had not been confirmed at the time of publication (Source: Tagesschau).
EU Lowers Protection Status for Wolves
Wolves were previously classified as “strictly protected” due to their endangered status in Europe. However, in December 2024, the Council of Europe decided to lower this status to allow for easier culling permits. The European Commission is now tasked with amending EU law accordingly.
For example, Lower Saxony has already implemented its own measures since 2024: if wolves repeatedly breach grazing fences and cause increased livestock losses, they may be shot within a one-kilometer radius around the affected pasture for a period of 21 days.
Does the Wolf Have a Future in Germany?
Wolves seem particularly comfortable in northern and northeastern Germany. The conflict between livestock farming and wildlife conservation must be addressed at a European level. However, a complete release for unrestricted culling is unlikely; instead, quotas similar to those for other animal species may be introduced.
