EU Eases Wolf Protections, Paving Way for Increased Culls

The European Union has downgraded the protection status of grey wolves, allowing member countries to set culling quotas starting next March. This decision follows a significant increase in the wolf population, which has doubled since 2012, leading to concerns about livestock damage. While some farmers support the culls, conservationists and organizations like the WWF argue that the move threatens the fragile recovery of wolf populations and that non-lethal methods could better manage human-wolf conflicts. The decision has sparked debate over balancing wildlife conservation with agricultural interests.