Wolves were once the stuff of myths. But decades of conservation efforts have gradually brought them back to life, with the predator reclaiming lost territory across Europe. Their return, though, has sparked tensions within rural communities and questions over how man and wolf can peacefully coexist. The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.
Wolves have made an unexpected comeback in Europe. Nearly 17,000 individuals are now roaming across the continent, a 2,000 percent increase in 50 years. France is home to nearly 140 packs. Contrary to popular belief, the animal was not introduced by conservationists. They crossed back into the French Alps from Italy in the 1990s and have since spread to neighbouring regions. There have even been sightings in Normandy and Brittany. 'Neither angels nor devils'The Vercors Regional Park, located in the foothills of the Alps, is one of many places known for wolf-spotting. Roger Mathieu, a member of nature conservation non-profit France Nature Environnement, coordinates a group of more than 20 naturalists who monitor wolf packs in the area. "Wolves are neither angels nor devils," he says. "If we let them be, there's no doubt that in 50 or even 30 years' time, wolves will recolonise the land they used to occupy a century ago."Roger is quick to point out that locals have nothing to fear. Cases of serious wolf attacks involving people are extremely rare.Many like Roger have welcomed wolves with open arms, as a sign of a healthy environment. Others are less enthusiastic, including sheep breeders, who have suffered significant losses. In 2021, at least 12,000 livestock animals were killed in wolf attacks, almost four times as many as in 2008.The plight of farmersElisabeth Moreau, a sheep and ... Go on reading on our web site.
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