Wolves become flashpoint in Europe’s rural-urban divide

The Economist discloses that for centuries, the wolf has haunted the folklore and fears of Europe's children, a creature of both wonder and dread.

This creature, often portrayed as a predator of lost children in fairy tales, once held a prominent place in the collective psyche. However, modernity diminished the terror propagated by the Brothers Grimm. By the early 20th century, wolves had nearly vanished from Europe, driven to extinction by hunting and habitat loss. In recent decades, though, their remarkable comeback has been celebrated by environmental advocates as a form of ecological redemption—a crucial step in reversing centuries of human-induced environmental damage. Yet, those living in rural areas, who are more likely to hear wolf howls at night and discover livestock or pets harmed by these predators, are less enthusiastic.

The wolf's return is now causing division among Europeans, sparking debates over whether humans should coexist with this rival predator once again. While humans continue to dominate the landscape, the wolf's resurgence has been striking. From just a few isolated packs at the beginning of this century, the estimated population has soared to around 20,000 wolves, stretching from Spain to Poland. This number has roughly doubled in the last decade, with wolf packs now roaming and howling across mainland Europe.

Unlike in the United States, where wolves were deliberately reintroduced, this increase has occurred naturally. Much of this revival can be attributed to strict wildlife protections established in the late 1970s across Europe. Additionally, wolves have thrived due to the human retreat from rural areas. As borders fell—most notably the Iron Curtain that once split Europe—wolves migrated westward. 

The urban migration left more forests available for both wolves and their prey, allowing them to reclaim their territory as humans receded. For environmentalists, the return of wolves is celebrated not only as a revival of a native species but also for their crucial role as "apex predators" in promoting biodiversity. Wolves help regulate the populations of deer and boar, culling weaker individuals and thereby reducing the risk of diseases that could potentially affect humans.

Their hunting habits keep these grazers moving, allowing vegetation to flourish and creating a more diverse ecosystem. Additionally, the remnants of their kills provide nourishment for scavengers, shifting ecological management—once the responsibility of humans, such as through hunting permits—to nature itself. However, the wolves' opportunistic feeding habits also pose challenges, as they frequently prey on livestock and pets. 

An estimated 65,000 sheep, goats, cows, and horses fall victim to wolves annually. While this number represents only a small fraction of the continent's livestock—less than 0.1 per cent for sheep—it has sparked significant concern among farmers. Many in rural areas feel disconnected from policymakers, viewing urban dwellers as out of touch with the realities of life beyond city limits. The fact that these issues are addressed at the EU level only intensifies their frustration, as they feel compelled to coexist with wolves due to decisions made by distant bureaucrats. 

This rural-urban divide has been exacerbated by right-wing politicians. The Alternative for Germany party, which typically focuses its rhetoric on immigration, has called for "rapid action" to manage wolf populations. A significant turning point occurred in September 2022 when a wolf killed Dolly, the beloved 30-year-old pony owned by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, at her home near Hanover. This incident thrust wolves into the political spotlight, with von der Leyen reportedly keeping a picture of Dolly in her office and advocating for more stringent measures against wolves. It appears her efforts may bear fruit.

On September 25th, a majority of the EU's 27 national governments agreed to lower the classification of wolf protection from "strictly protected" to simply "protected." While this does not equate to unrestricted hunting, it opens the door for further negotiations to amend wildlife conservation laws. Advocates for rural interests are celebrating this rare success, while hunters, eager for new "coexistence tools" with wolves—essentially a euphemism for increased hunting opportunities—are also expressing their approval of the potential changes. 

Ecologists criticize the decision, arguing that it reflects poor politics and flawed science. In many parts of Europe, wolf populations are delicate and could decline significantly without the protections that are now being partially removed. The perceived threat from wolves is often exaggerated; there have been no reported serious attacks on humans since their return. While wolves may occasionally kill livestock, measures like guard dogs and fencing are effective in preventing such incidents, and these solutions are supported by subsidies in addition to compensation for lost animals. At its core, this debate centers on the roles of both wolves and humans. 

Many in rural communities feel a deep connection to historical efforts to cultivate the land and convert wild frontiers into safe pastures for human habitation. Allowing a long-subdued predator to reclaim its place seems illogical to them, akin to inviting a former burglar back into one’s home. However, there may be an underlying wisdom in this apparent irrationality: it serves as a reminder that humans are part of the ecosystem they inhabit, rather than its unquestioned rulers.

By Naila Huseynova