The commission says the number of wolves in the EU has almost doubled, from 11,000 in 2012 to more than 20,000 today, and that they are causing too much damage to livestock.
But wildlife campaigners say improved protection methods, including trained sheepdogs, would be a better solution than lifting protection measures. Wolves are said to keep down the numbers of deer and wild boars that damage trees and crops. Wolves also prevent the spread of disease by eating sick animals.
In the town of Baile Tusnad, in a valley near the village of Josefa, wildlife experts met recently to discuss large carnivores. Most, though not all, oppose wolf and bear hunting.
“African swine fever is spreading throughout Europe,” says Michal Haring, a biologist from Slovakia, “and the wolf is a very good ‘doctor’ for this, suppressing the disease.” Wolves cannot catch.’
Another argument against shooting wolves is that they hunt in packs of five to eight individuals, usually a pair and their offspring. When old wolves are shot, the pack falls apart, making it harder to catch deer and wild boar.
“Individual wolves are more likely to attack sheep and other domestic animals,” explains Mr Herring.
