Farmers disapprove of predator wolf hunting

In the picturesque landscapes of Brandenburg, Germany, a heated debate is unfolding over the growing wolf population and the increase in wolf attacks on livestock.

According to estimates from Christiane Schröder of the nature conservation association (NABU), there are approximately 600 to 700 wolves roaming the region. However, the official estimate based on confirmed territories from 2023/24 remains around several hundred wolves. Claims of a larger population, up to 1,600 wolves, are considered unfounded and not supported by monitoring data.

The rise in wolf numbers has led to a rise in incidents of wolf attacks on livestock. Jonas Scholz, chairman of the Sheep Breeding Association Berlin-Brandenburg, has personally lost 18 sheep to these attacks. In response, Scholz advocates for the shooting of problem wolves that overcome fences and bypass guard dogs, a view shared by shepherd Knut Kucznik. Nature conservationist Preuß, however, disagrees, citing the ineffectiveness of quota hunts in countries such as Slovenia, Slovakia, and France, where more livestock has been killed by wolf packs despite hunting in Spain.

The idea of a quota hunt for wolves is a contentious one, with Agriculture State Secretary Gregor Beyer recently advocating for it. Beyer, a former member of the state parliament for the FDP, operates the nature experience center Blumberger Mühle and became State Secretary to Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt in 2024. His advocacy for a quota hunt has been met with criticism from Schröder, who accuses him of failing to mediate between nature conservationists, hunters, and farmers, and instead causing controversy.

Andreas Kutsche, a member of the Brandenburg state parliament, has emphasized the seriousness of the challenges associated with the return of wolves, including attacks on livestock. He, along with Preuß, advocates for a reliable population count of wolves to facilitate effective mediation between different positions.

Andreas Fritsche, presumably a politician, approved a restriction of association litigation rights as part of Brandenburg's special committee on bureaucracy reduction. The exact number of wolves in Brandenburg, according to figures derived from reported sightings and wildlife camera recordings, is 58 packs, eight wolf pairs, and two single animals, resulting in a total of just under 500 individuals.

Despite the decrease in wolf attacks by 20% from 2023 to 2024, Kucznik and Scholz believe that reducing the wolf population is not a solution to protect their herds. Instead, they advocate for the use of fences and guard dogs, a view shared by Preuß.

As the debate continues, Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt has asked Minister President Dietmar Woidke to dismiss State Secretary Gregor Beyer following a news agency report. However, there is no official confirmation of Beyer's dismissal yet.

This ongoing controversy underscores the complexities of managing wildlife populations and the need for effective mediation between various stakeholders to ensure the protection of both wildlife and livestock.